Angel wings, known in Poland as faworki or chrust, are one of the most recognizable symbols of the carnival season and Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek).
Light, crispy, and generously dusted with powdered sugar, they are a must-have homemade treat for many people during this festive time. When made properly, these delicate pastries almost melt in your mouth, and it is nearly impossible to stop at just one.
Although faworki are often considered a pastry that requires experience to prepare, the truth is that success mainly depends on the right proportions and one simple trick. In this post, we share a tested faworki recipe that always works, even for those making them for the very first time. The secret lies in using beer in the dough, which makes the pastries light and full of tiny bubbles after frying.
Fun fact: The name faworki comes from the French word faveur, meaning ribbon or decorative favor. The characteristic shape of these pastries resembles thin, twisted ribbons that were once worn as ornaments on courtly garments.
Ingredients for Polish Angel Wings (Faworki / Chrust)
Ingredients
To prepare a classic batch of Polish angel wings (faworki), you will need:
5 egg yolks
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup light beer
a pinch of salt
powdered sugar for dusting
oil or lard for frying
These are simple ingredients that can easily be found in almost any kitchen, yet the final result can be surprisingly delicious.
How to Make Crispy Polish Angel Wings Step by Step
Instructions
Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Add the beer and mix well until combined.
Add the flour mixed with baking powder and salt, then knead everything into a smooth, elastic dough.
Knead the dough well or vigorously pound it with a rolling pin. This is a very important step that aerates the dough and makes the angel wings light and crispy.
Roll the dough out very thinly and cut it into strips. Make a small slit in the center of each strip and pull one end through the slit to form the classic angel wing shape.
Fry in well-heated oil or lard on both sides until golden.
Drain on paper towels and generously dust with powdered sugar.
These angel wings turn out crispy, delicate, and beautifully layered.
Angel Wings with Beer – Why Is It Worth It?
Adding beer to the dough causes the alcohol to evaporate quickly during frying, creating tiny air bubbles inside the pastry. As a result, angel wings made with beer turn out exceptionally light and wonderfully crispy. It’s an old pastry chef’s trick that works especially well for Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek). Instead of beer, you can also use a small amount of high-proof alcohol, such as neutral spirit, as found in many traditional faworki recipes.
Fun fact: In different regions of Poland, faworki are known by other names. In Silesia they are sometimes called “kreple,” while in some parts of Lesser Poland the traditional name “chrust” is still commonly used.
Variation: Carnival Rosettes with Jam Instead of Classic Angel Wings
If you’d like to try something more decorative, you can use the same dough to prepare beautiful carnival rosettes with jam, like the ones shown in the photo.
How to make them
Cut out two circles of dough: one larger and one smaller.
Use a knife to make small cuts around the edges of both circles.
Place the smaller circle on top of the larger one and gently press the center so they stick together.
Fry them in hot oil or lard, just like classic angel wings.
Add a small spoonful of jam in the center.
After frying and dusting them with powdered sugar, you’ll get beautiful golden rosettes that look impressive on a festive table and make a wonderful alternative to traditional angel wings.
Angel Wings (Faworki) – A Sweet Tradition of Fat Thursday
No matter whether you choose classic angel wings (faworki), crispy chrust, or decorative jam-filled carnival rosettes, one thing is certain: this pastry perfectly captures the spirit of Fat Thursday. Homemade angel wings have a unique flavor and aroma that simply cannot be compared with store-bought sweets.
If you’re looking for a reliable idea for a carnival dessert, this angel wings recipe is a classic you’ll want to come back to year after year.
Doughnuts – The Must-Have Classic of Fat Thursday
Although angel wings and chrust have their permanent place on the carnival table, for many people Fat Thursday simply doesn’t exist without traditional pączki (Polish doughnuts). Soft, golden, filled with rose jam or marmalade, and dusted with powdered sugar or glazed with icing, they have been the symbol of this sweet celebration for generations.
If you’d like to make them at home, be sure to check out our tested recipe for Polish pączki, which shows step by step how to achieve perfectly soft, fragrant doughnuts that pair wonderfully with crispy angel wings.