Easy Angel Wing Cookies (Polish Chrusciki)
Recipe Overview
Overview
Angel Wing Cookies, or Chrusciki, are a cherished holiday treat that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. The recipe starts with six large egg yolks, which are separated and mixed with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. The addition of heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract enhances the richness of the dough, while melted butter adds a delightful flavor.
As you mix in the flour, the dough transforms into a pliable consistency that is easy to work with. Kneading it for just a minute ensures a smooth texture, making it forgiving for even novice bakers. Once the dough is ready, it’s divided into portions and rolled out thinly, which is crucial for achieving that perfect crispness when fried.
Cutting the dough into strips and forming them into angel wings is where the fun begins. The cookies fry quickly, so having everything prepared beforehand is key to preventing any mishaps. Once fried, they are generously dusted with powdered sugar, adding a sweet finish that contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the cookie.
These cookies are not just a treat; they are a tradition that can be shared with family and friends during the holiday season. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved part of your holiday celebrations, just as it has for many families over the years.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Separate six large egg yolks using eggshell halves.
Tip: Eggs separate easier when they're cold.
Add granulated sugar to the egg yolks.
Use an electric hand mixer to beat the mixture on high speed until lightened in color.
Add heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter to the mixture.
Tip: Use homemade vanilla extract for better flavor.
Beat the mixture together until combined.
Add flour a little at a time, stirring in between each addition.
Use a spatula to incorporate the last bit of flour.
Transfer the dough to a clean work surface.
Knead the dough for about a minute until smooth and non-sticky.
Tip: Knead the dough just until smooth and non-sticky.
Divide the dough into four pieces and cover with plastic wrap.
Dust the work surface and dough lightly with flour.
Tip: Dust your work surface and dough lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Roll out the dough as thin as possible.
Cut the dough into 1-inch thick strips and then diagonally into 4-inch lengths.
Cut a 1-inch slit in the center of each piece of cookie dough.
Pull one end of the dough through the slit to form an angel wing shape.
Tip: Form the cookies by pulling one end through the slit for an angel wing shape.
Transfer the shaped cookies to a baking sheet.
Tip: Preheat your oil to 370°F for frying.
Preheat oil for frying.
Tip: Use a clip-on oil thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature.
Add three to four cookies at a time to the hot oil and turn them after 15 seconds.
Remove cookies with tongs to a paper towel-lined platter.
Repeat the frying process until all cookies are fried.
Tip: Hide the cookies after dusting with powdered sugar to prevent eating them all at once.
Layer cookies on a big platter.
Dust cookies with powdered sugar between layers.
Tip: Dust cookies generously with powdered sugar, as the cookie itself isn't overly sweet.
Tip: Rolling the dough thinner will make the cookies crisper.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Angel Wing Cookies are traditionally made during Christmas and are known for their delicate, crispy texture.
- •The dough for these cookies is easy to work with and can be rolled out thinly for a crispier result.
- •These cookies can be shaped into angel wings by pulling one end through a slit in the dough.
- •Using a pasta roller can speed up the rolling process for making these cookies.
