Light golden crispy shells (Printable)

Create golden, delicate crispy shells perfect for various fillings, both sweet and savory.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1/4 cup water
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

→ For Frying

08 - Vegetable oil for deep-frying

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl.
02 - In a separate bowl, beat melted butter, egg, water, and vanilla extract if using.
03 - Gradually incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring until a smooth, pliable dough forms.
04 - Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes to hydrate.
05 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness.
06 - Cut dough into 4-inch diameter circles or preferred shapes.
07 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
08 - Drape each dough circle over a metal mold or form, then fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
09 - Remove shells with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and cool completely before filling.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Imagine sharing the joy of a light golden shell that holds all your favorite fillings with that unbeatable crunch
  • This recipe quickly became my go-to because it’s simple but transforms ordinary meals into celebrations
02 -
  • Don’t rush the frying oil temperature - if it’s too low, shells absorb oil and lose that ideal crunch
  • Resting the dough is a game changer; skipping this leads to tougher shells that don’t crisp right
03 -
  • Use a metal mold for perfectly shaped shells that hold fillings without collapsing
  • The secret to the crunch is maintaining high oil heat and frying just long enough