Angel Wings (Polish)(Chrusciki)
Angel Wings are crispy, delicate Polish pastries dusted with powdered sugar, featuring a light, flaky texture and sweet flavor perfect for festive occasions or as a treat with tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add salt to egg yolks and beat until thick and lemon colored. Add sour cream with vanilla flavoring alternately with flour and mixing well after each addition.
- Knead on a floured board until the dough blisters.
- Divide the dough in half and roll each half very thin.
- Cut into strips about 4 inches long. Make 2-inch slits lengthwise through the center and pull one end through, forming an angel wing.
- Fry in hot oil until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; this helps the angel wings puff up and become crispy. If you're out of sour cream, plain yogurt can be a suitable substitute. Additionally, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving to keep them looking fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Angel wings are delightful on their own but can be served alongside coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruits for a light dessert option. For a festive touch, serve them with a side of whipped cream or a fruit compote. Explore more vegetarian recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover angel wings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until crisp again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angel Wings (Polish)(Chrusciki) contains roughly 565 calories, with 27g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 883mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out and cutting into strips. This helps maintain the dough's elasticity and makes rolling easier.
What oil is best for frying angel wings?
Vegetable oil or canola oil is ideal for frying angel wings due to their high smoke points. Avoid using olive oil, as it may not reach the necessary temperature for frying and can impart a strong flavor to the delicate pastry.
How can I tell when the angel wings are done frying?
The angel wings are done when they are golden brown and have puffed up. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt. Remove them promptly and drain on paper towels.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).