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Angel Wings: Polish Chrust or Italian Chiacchiere?

Are angel wings Italian or Polish?

Angel wings are most strongly associated with Poland, where they’re known as chrust (or faworki) and are a beloved traditional pastry—especially around Carnival and other festive seasons. That said, the “angel wing” style of crisp, fried, ribbon-shaped dough isn’t exclusive to one country. Similar pastries appear across Central and Eastern Europe, and even beyond, with small differences in shape, ingredients, and serving traditions.

Why angel wings are considered Polish

In Polish cuisine, chrust/faworki are thin strips of lightly sweetened dough that are twisted, fried until airy and crisp, and finished with a generous snowfall of powdered sugar. They’re typically made with flour, egg yolks, and a bit of fat (often butter or sour cream), and the dough is worked to incorporate air—one reason they fry up so delicate and brittle.

The Polish version is tied to specific celebrations and home baking traditions, which is why many people identify angel wings as Polish first, even if similar pastries exist elsewhere.

Is there an Italian version of angel wings?

Italy has close cousins to angel wings, and the overlap can make the origin feel confusing. During Carnevale, many Italian regions make crispy fried sweets such as chiacchiere (also called frappe, cenci, bugie, or crostoli depending on the area). Like angel wings, they’re rolled thin, cut into strips or shapes, fried, and dusted with powdered sugar.

While Italian versions may use slightly different flavorings (like citrus zest, grappa, or wine) and regional shapes, the overall idea is remarkably similar—so “Italian” isn’t wrong when referring to the broader family of pastries.

So which is it?

If someone says “angel wings” in an American context, it most often points to the Polish tradition of chrust/faworki. However, the pastry style is shared across multiple European cuisines, and Italy’s Carnevale sweets sit very close to the same concept. For a deeper look at how the traditions compare, visit https://ciceras.com/are-angel-wings-italian-or-polish/.

FAQ

What are angel wings made of?

Angel wings are typically made from a simple dough of flour and egg yolks, often enriched with butter or sour cream, then rolled thin, twisted, fried until crisp, and dusted with powdered sugar.