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Chrusciki

It makes sense that Chrusciki are popular during the holiday season. Their name comes from the Polish word chrust means "dry branches, broken off trees." These thin strips of deep-fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar and resemble snow-covered branches.

Chrusciki, also called bows or angel wings, are a light, crunchy and sweet holiday treat. While they are associated with Poland; many European countries have their own variation including Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Italy and Ukraine.

Chrusciki is simple to make with common ingredients you probably already have on hand. Even though this holiday dessert is fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar, it's still a lot less decadent than many holiday treats today. (That’s your ticket to less post-holiday guilt…you’re welcome!)

Share a plate with co-workers or pass this treat around the tree during the Christmas Eve Wigilia. The mildly sweet flavor pairs well with coffee or a glass of milk and is Mikolaj-approved (St. Nicholas)!


 
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Yield:
Difficulty: Easy

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 Cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp brandy
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pint vegetable oil for frying
  • powdered sugar for dusting

DIRECTIONS

  1. Sift together flour, salt and baking powder.
  2. In a bowl, blend well the egg yolks, sugar, sour cream, brandy and vanilla.
  3. Slowly add dry ingredients into egg mixture (enough for smooth dough).
  4. Knead dough for 10 - 15 minutes, adding flour as needed. The dough should not be sticky.
  5. Divide dough into 4 equal portions, wrap with plastic and allow to rest for 15 minutes
  6. Roll out each piece of dough paper thin and cut into 1" wide strips, about 4" long.
  7. Cut a slit in center of each piece and take one end through the slit to make a bow.
  8. Fry oil at 370°F in a Swiss Diamond pot until lightly brown and place on paper towels to drain.
  9. Dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
  10. Carefully store in an airtight container.