Fried & Glazed Croissant Donuts

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Fried & Glazed Croissant Donuts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of discovering a new family favorite, and these Fried & Glazed Croissant Donuts have quickly become a beloved treat in our household. It all started one lazy Sunday morning when I was looking for a fun twist on our usual breakfast.

I had some store-bought croissants sitting on the counter and a sudden craving for something sweet and indulgent—and that’s when the idea struck. What if I turned those flaky, buttery croissants into something even more decadent?

The first bite was a revelation. The crispy, golden exterior, combined with the soft, airy layers inside, all coated in a sweet, glossy glaze—it was like biting into a little piece of heaven.

My kids couldn’t get enough, and my husband, who’s usually more of a savory breakfast guy, was sneaking seconds before I could even sit down. It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple yet feels incredibly special, perfect for a weekend treat or impressing guests at brunch.

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a batch of these croissant donuts in no time.

Plus, they’re versatile—you can dress them up with different glazes or fillings, but honestly, they’re perfect just as they are. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring!) these as much as we do.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use homemade croissants?
Absolutely! If you have the time and energy to make croissants from scratch, go for it. But store-bought croissants work wonderfully and save so much time.

Do I need a deep fryer?
Nope! A heavy-bottomed pot or a deep skillet works just fine. Just make sure to monitor the oil temperature for even frying.

What kind of glaze should I use?
I love a simple vanilla glaze, but you can get creative with chocolate, maple, or even a citrus glaze for a zesty twist.

How do I store leftovers?
These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain that crispy texture.

Can I make these in advance?
You can prep the croissants and have them ready to fry, but I recommend glazing them right before serving for the best texture and taste.

What You Need to Make Fried & Glazed Croissant Donuts

Ingredients:

6 store-bought croissants

2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Tools & Equipment:

Heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet

Slotted spoon or tongs

Cooling rack

Mixing bowl

Whisk

How to Make Fried & Glazed Croissant Donuts

Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Croissants: While the oil is heating, slice each croissant in half horizontally if you prefer smaller portions, or leave them whole for a more indulgent treat.

Fry the Croissants: Carefully place the croissants in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Drain & Cool: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the croissants from the oil and place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Make the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Glaze the Donuts: While the croissants are still warm, dip them into the glaze, ensuring they’re fully coated. Place them back on the cooling rack to let the glaze set.

Serve & Enjoy: Once the glaze has set, your croissant donuts are ready to be devoured. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate treat!

Tips for Making the Best Fried & Glazed Croissant Donuts

Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to ensure even frying. Too hot, and the croissants will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.

Use Day-Old Croissants: Slightly stale croissants fry up beautifully, as they hold their shape better and become perfectly crispy.

Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a dash of cinnamon to the glaze or filling the croissants with jam or Nutella before frying for a fun twist.

Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set completely before serving to avoid sticky fingers (unless you love that gooey goodness!).

Serve Fresh: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, so plan to make them just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These were a HUGE hit with my family! Super easy to make, and they tasted like something from a fancy bakery.” – Sarah M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for our weekend brunch. I added a chocolate glaze, and they were absolutely divine!” – Jessica T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Really tasty and simple, but next time I’ll try a different glaze for more variety.” – Mark D.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made these for a playdate, and all the kids (and moms!) loved them. Quick and delicious!” – Emily R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “They were good, but a bit sweet for my taste. I might reduce the glaze next time.” – Natalie K.

Printable Recipe

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