Mulled Apple Cider Chai French Crullers

Mulled Apple Cider Chai French Crullers are the ultimate fall treat, bringing together the comforting flavors of spiced apple cider, aromatic chai tea, and the crispy, tender texture of a French cruller. These golden, fluffy donuts are deep-fried to perfection and coated in a hint of cinnamon sugar, offering a sweet, fragrant indulgence that’s perfect for cozy mornings or a festive gathering. The warm flavors of chai and apple cider make them feel like a warm hug in dessert form, while their airy texture ensures each bite is light and delightful.

Perfect for holiday celebrations, brunches, or a seasonal treat, these crullers combine two beloved drinks—apple cider and chai tea—into a heavenly fried dough that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them with a cup of tea or as part of a dessert table, these crullers are a great way to embrace the flavors of autumn.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Seasonal Flavors

The blend of apple cider and chai spice creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for the fall and winter months.

2. Light and Crispy

The French cruller dough results in a light, airy texture that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering the perfect contrast in every bite.

3. Perfect for Special Occasions

These crullers are an excellent choice for festive gatherings or holiday mornings, adding a touch of elegance and deliciousness to your table.

4. Made with Simple Ingredients

The recipe uses simple pantry staples like butter, flour, and eggs, along with the seasonal flavors of apple cider and chai tea, making it both easy and indulgent.

5. Impressive Presentation

Piping the dough into rings and frying them to a golden brown creates beautiful crullers that are perfect for sharing or serving as part of a dessert spread.

Ingredients

• Apple cider
• Chai tea bag
• Unsalted butter
• Water
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Large eggs
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Oil for frying

Variations

1. Spicy Variation

Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the dough for an extra layer of spice that complements the chai and apple cider flavors.

2. Glaze Option

For a sweeter finish, dip the crullers in a glaze made from powdered sugar and a little apple cider or milk. This will add extra sweetness and shine to the crullers.

3. Vegan Version

Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax seed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and replace the butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version.

4. Apple Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Instead of cinnamon sugar, coat the crullers in a mixture of apple cinnamon sugar for an extra burst of apple flavor.

5. Chai Icing

Top the crullers with a chai-spiced icing, using powdered sugar and a little milk or heavy cream, with chai tea extract or powder mixed in.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Steep the Chai Cider

In a small saucepan, heat the apple cider over medium heat until it’s warm. Add the chai tea bag and steep for about 5 minutes, then remove the tea bag and set the chai-infused apple cider aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In another saucepan, bring the butter, water, and salt to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the flour until the dough comes together and is smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and the steeped chai apple cider until the dough is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (180°C). You’ll need enough oil to submerge the crullers fully while frying.

Step 5: Pipe the Dough

Using a pastry bag or a piping bag with a large round tip, pipe the dough into the hot oil in small ring shapes. Make sure the rings are spaced out to allow for even frying.

Step 6: Fry the Crullers

Fry the crullers for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to flip them and ensure they cook evenly. Once fried, remove the crullers from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the crullers have cooled slightly, you can roll them in cinnamon sugar or glaze them as desired. Serve hot, and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of the Mulled Apple Cider Chai French Crullers!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Temperature of the Oil: To avoid greasy crullers, it’s essential to maintain the oil at the correct temperature (350°F or 180°C). If the oil is too hot, the crullers will burn, and if it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the crullers in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven frying.
• Pipe the Dough Quickly: The dough can stiffen if it sits too long. Pipe the crullers as soon as the dough is ready to ensure they fry up light and airy.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft and difficult to pipe, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up.

How to Serve

Serve these Mulled Apple Cider Chai French Crullers fresh and warm. They’re perfect on their own, paired with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or apple cider. You can also serve them as part of a holiday brunch spread or dessert table, garnished with additional cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These crullers are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

Freezing

To freeze, let the crullers cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.

Reheating

To reheat, you can place the crullers in a warm oven for a few minutes or, for a crispier texture, reheat them in a skillet with a small amount of oil over low heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s not spiced cider with added flavors.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

While it’s best to pipe the dough immediately after making it, you can refrigerate the dough for up to an hour before frying.

3. Can I use a different type of tea?

You can experiment with different flavored teas, such as pumpkin spice or cinnamon tea, to customize the flavor to your liking.

4. How can I make these crullers without frying them?

While traditional crullers are deep-fried for that signature crispy texture, you can bake them at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Keep in mind that they won’t be as crispy but will still taste delicious.

5. How do I know if the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check the oil’s temperature. If you don’t have one, you can test it by dropping a small amount of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.

6. Can I skip the cinnamon in the dough?

Yes, you can skip the cinnamon if you prefer a simpler flavor. The chai tea already adds plenty of spice to the crullers.

7. How do I make the crullers crispier?

Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature and that you don’t overcrowd the frying pan. Frying them for the right amount of time will also help achieve the perfect crispy texture.

8. Can I make these crullers without chai tea?

If you don’t have chai tea, you can substitute it with a mixture of ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for a similar spiced flavor.

9. Can I use a different type of sugar for coating?

Yes, you can use brown sugar or a combination of cinnamon and powdered sugar for a different flavor profile.

10. Are these crullers gluten-free?

Unfortunately, this recipe contains all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Mulled Apple Cider Chai French Crullers are a delicious, seasonal treat that brings together the best flavors of fall. With a light, crispy exterior and a warm, spiced interior, they’re perfect for cozy mornings or as a special treat at holiday gatherings. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or with a touch of cinnamon sugar, these crullers are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!

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