Homemade Cronuts (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 - 1/4 cup sugar.
03 - 1 teaspoon salt.
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed.
05 - 1/2 cup milk, warmed.
06 - 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons).
07 - 1 egg.
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
09 - 2 cups vegetable oil for frying.
10 - 1/2 cup sugar for coating.
11 - 1 cup pastry cream or whipped cream.
12 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.

Instructions:

01 - In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and cut into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Pour the yeast mixture, egg, and vanilla extract into the flour mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then transfer to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
04 - Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
05 - Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Fold like a letter, then roll out again. Repeat the folding process 3 times to create layers.
06 - Use a round cutter to cut out doughnut shapes. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
07 - Heat oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry cronuts in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
08 - Roll warm cronuts in sugar. Using a piping bag, fill each with pastry cream or whipped cream.

Notes:

01 - A delightful treat combining the flaky layers of a croissant with the shape and deliciousness of a doughnut.