U.S. [app. a. Du. cruller, f. crullen to curl: cf. EFris. kruller curl, paper-curl, LG. kroll-koken wafer-cakes.] A cake cut from dough containing eggs, butter, sugar, etc., twisted or curled into various shapes, and fried to crispness in lard or oil.
1818. W. Irving, Sketch-Bk., Leg. Sleepy Hollow. The doughty dough-nut … the crisp and crumbling cruller.
1866. Howells, Venet. Life, vi. A species of cruller, fried in oil, which has all seasons for its own.
1890. G. Rudmani, Royal Baker (N. Y.), 8 [Recipe].
