Easy Cronuts with Vanilla Pudding and Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Cronuts are a delightful hybrid of croissants and donuts, offering flaky layers with a sweet, fried exterior. This easy recipe lets you make delicious cronuts at home with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients
- 2 Packages Pillsbury Uncut Crescent Sheets
- 1 Vanilla Pudding Cup
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 Tablespoon Milk
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a pan with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat.
- Step 2: Fold one sheet of dough in half in one direction, then fold in half in the opposite direction.
- Step 3: Use a biscuit cutter or a cup/glass to cut approximately 3-inch circles from the folded dough.
- Step 4: Cut about 1-inch circles from the center of each 3-inch dough circle; save the small circles to fry as cronut holes.
- Step 5: Gather the dough scraps, roll them out, and cut additional cronut shapes.
- Step 6: Fry the cronuts and holes for about 90 seconds on each side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels, then let cool.
- Step 7: For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk if needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
- Step 8: Split each cooled cronut in half and fill with 2 tablespoons of vanilla pudding, then replace the top half.
- Step 9: Drizzle the glaze over the top of the filled cronuts and let it set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try using chocolate or lemon pudding instead of vanilla.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to avoid greasy cronuts.
- Use powdered sugar in the glaze for a smooth finish, and adjust milk quantity to get the perfect drizzle thickness.
Storage
Store leftover cronuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes to revive crispiness. Avoid refrigerating as it can make the dough tough.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make cronuts ahead of time?
You can prepare and fry the cronuts in advance, but assemble and glaze them shortly before serving for the best texture and freshness.
What can I use if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?
A glass or any round object about 3 inches in diameter works well for cutting the dough circles if you don’t have a biscuit cutter.
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Easy Cronuts with Vanilla Pudding and Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cronuts plus cronut holes 1x
Description
This Easy Cronuts Recipe combines the flakiness of croissants with the indulgence of doughnuts, creating a delightful treat that is perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made using Pillsbury crescent dough, these homemade cronuts are fried to a golden crisp, filled with creamy vanilla pudding, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this recipe is a fun twist on classic pastries.
Ingredients
Dough and Frying
- 2 Packages Pillsbury Uncut Crescent Sheets
- Vegetable Oil (for Frying) – enough to fill pan with 2 inches depth
Filling
- 1 Vanilla Pudding Cup (approximately 3.4 oz each)
Glaze
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tablespoon Milk (plus additional as needed)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Fill a deep pan with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Dough: Fold the crescent dough sheet in half lengthwise, then fold it in half again crosswise to create layers. Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter or a similarly sized cup or glass, cut circle shapes from the folded dough.
- Cut the Centers: Use a 1-inch cutter to punch out the centers of each 3-inch circle to create a doughnut shape. Save the 1-inch circles to fry separately as cronut holes.
- Use Scraps: Gather the leftover dough scraps, roll them out again, and cut additional cronut shapes to maximize dough use.
- Fry the Cronuts: Carefully place the cut dough pieces in the hot oil and fry for about 90 seconds on each side, or until they turn a golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels. Allow them to cool sufficiently before filling and glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, mix together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk by the teaspoon as needed to achieve a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
- Fill the Cronuts: Once cooled, carefully split each cronut in half horizontally. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of vanilla pudding into the center, then place the top half back on.
- Glaze the Cronuts: Drizzle the prepared glaze over the tops of the filled cronuts and let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350°F to achieve crispy yet cooked-through cronuts without absorbing excess oil.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate oil temperature control.
- Vanilla pudding cups can be substituted with homemade pastry cream or any preferred filling.
- Store leftover cronuts in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days for best freshness.
- The cronut holes can be fried and glazed as a tasty bonus treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cronuts, crescent dough, fried pastries, vanilla pudding filling, vanilla glaze, easy dessert

