The Honey Cruller from Tim Hortons features a golden, twisted pastry glazed with a sweet honey coating, offering a light and airy texture paired with a delightful honey-infused sweetness.
Equipments
- Mixer (stand mixer or planetary mixer)
- Mixing bowls
- Dough hook attachment
- Rolling pin
- Bench scraper
- Piping bag with large star tip
- Fryer (deep fryer or heavy pot for frying)
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Cooling rack
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Using fresh, high-quality unsalted butter and all-purpose flour is crucial for achieving the Honey Cruller's characteristic light and airy texture. When adding eggs, ensure they are at room temperature to help the dough keep its structure during frying. The vegetable oil must be heated to the correct temperature to create a golden, crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil. For the glaze, mixing powdered sugar with honey and milk will give you the signature sweet honey coating similar to the Tim Hortons Honey Cruller. Your homemade Honey Cruller will taste remarkably close to the Tim Hortons copycat menu when these ingredient tips are carefully followed.
Instructions
- Prepare mixer with dough hook attachment.
- Measure and set aside all ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt.
- Heat mixture until butter melts and liquid simmers.
- Add flour to boiling mixture; stir until a dough forms.
- Transfer dough to stand mixer bowl; let cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, until smooth and glossy.
- Fit piping bag with large star tip; fill with dough.
- Pipe twisted cruller shapes onto parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat oil in fryer or heavy pot to 360°F (182°C).
- Fry crullers in batches until golden and puffed.
- Remove with slotted spoon; drain on cooling rack.
- Mix powdered sugar, honey, and milk to form glaze.
- Brush warm crullers with honey glaze using pastry brush.
- Let glaze set; serve crullers fresh.
Substitution
The Honey Cruller from Tim Hortons copycat menu replicates the original's golden twisted shape and honey glaze, delivering a light, airy texture with a rich honey flavor. If you don't have a piping bag with a large star tip, use a zip-top bag with a corner cut off to pipe the dough. Vegetable oil is preferred for frying due to its high smoke point, but canola or peanut oil are suitable substitutes. When folding the dough in the mixer, ensure it is smooth and pulls away from the bowl to achieve the right consistency. If honey is unavailable, use light corn syrup combined with a small amount of vanilla extract to mimic the honey glaze.
Tips
Make sure to allow the dough to cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, glossy batter. Maintain the oil temperature at 360degF (182degC) during frying to achieve the perfect golden and airy texture without absorbing excess oil. Use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip to create the signature twisted shape for authentic Honey Crullers. When glazing, brush the warm crullers gently to allow the honey glaze to adhere properly without melting off.
Nutritions
The Honey Cruller from Tim Hortons provides a moderate amount of calories primarily from carbohydrates and fats found in the all-purpose flour, butter, vegetable oil, and sugar used in frying and glazing. Each cruller contains protein from the eggs, while the honey glaze adds natural sugars and trace antioxidants. Its light, airy texture results from the water and steam incorporated during frying, which reduces overall density but maintains indulgence. Your intake should consider the sweetness and oil content typical of fried pastries for balanced nutrition.
Storage
Store your Honey Crullers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their light texture and honey-glazed freshness for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can soften the crispy exterior and affect the airy texture. To re-crisp, briefly warm them in a preheated oven at 325degF (163degC) for 5 minutes before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with substituting whole milk for water in the dough to create a richer cruller with a slightly denser texture. For a flavor twist, replace the honey in the glaze with maple syrup or agave nectar to suit your taste preferences. Consider baking the crullers instead of frying by spraying them lightly with oil and baking at 400degF (204degC) for a lighter, less oily version. Use a silicone star tip for piping if you want a sharper, more defined ridged pattern on your crullers.
Allergies
The Honey Cruller contains common allergens such as eggs, butter (dairy), and wheat flour, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to these ingredients. Your consumption should be cautious if you have allergies to eggs, dairy, or gluten to avoid symptoms like hives, swelling, or digestive issues. The honey coating may also present a risk for those with rare honey or pollen allergies.
Why this recipe?
Honey Cruller from Tim Hortons is beloved for its light, airy texture combined with a sweet honey glaze that creates a perfect balance of flavor and softness. Its distinct twisted shape enhances the crispiness on the outside while maintaining a tender bite inside, appealing to donut lovers seeking a unique treat. You can replicate this dessert at home to enjoy the authentic taste without the need for a store visit, customizing sweetness and freshness to your preference. Mastering a copycat recipe offers the satisfaction of homemade quality and the ability to share this popular menu favorite with friends and family.