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Croquignoles

Croquignoles recipe: twisted, golden-fried dough cookies rolled in sugar – the crisp, crackly Christmas treats that fill Quebec cookie jars for generations.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DessertCategory
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Croquignoles, golden fried Quebec Christmas cookies twisted and dusted with sugar

Croquignoles are the fried cookies of Quebec’s Christmas baking, rolled out, cut into twists or diamonds, and fried until golden before being tumbled in sugar. They share a family tree with French bugnes and beignets, and every grand-maman had her own recipe for the festive tins.

What makes them great is that wonderful crackle: crisp and crunchy on the outside, faintly tender within, with a delicate hint of vanilla and nutmeg. They keep beautifully in a tin, which made them perfect holiday gifts — though they rarely survive long enough to be given away.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg together in a large bowl.
  2. In another bowl, cream the sugar and butter, then beat in the eggs, milk, and vanilla.
  3. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry to form a soft dough, then chill it for at least 1 hour.
  4. Roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut it into strips, twisting each one into a spiral or knot.
  5. Heat the oil to 350 to 365°F and fry the croquignoles in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, until deep golden and crisp.
  6. Drain on paper towels, then roll them in sugar while still warm.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling — it makes the croquignoles easier to cut and keeps them tender. Fry in small batches at 350–365°F until deep golden, then drain and roll in sugar while warm. They keep for up to a week in an airtight tin.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryDessert
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →