let me introduce you to the beignets – these are like heavenly, soft, and sweet French donuts with a hint of vanilla. Picture this: golden brown, fluffy delights dusted with powdered sugar. In my article, I’m going to guide you through making the absolute best New Orleans style beignets that are simply irresistible.
Imagine sinking your teeth into these insanely delicious square donuts, they’re a total treat and pretty addictive. I mean, who can resist the magic of freshly fried, warm donuts paired with a steaming cup of coffee? The good news is, making these at home may sound a bit challenging, but trust me, it’s a breeze. I’ve got a step-by-step recipe that walks you through the whole process, complete with loads of handy tips to ensure you whip up the tastiest beignets, just like they do in New Orleans.
Now, before you dive into this delightful cooking adventure, here’s a crucial tip: grab yourself a candy thermometer. It’s a game-changer for frying these donuts perfectly – you’ll end up with a fluffy and airy center, surrounded by a golden and crispy outside. Trust me, it’s worth it!
What is Beignets?
A beignet is like a square piece of dough that gets deep-fried until it’s golden and then covered generously with powdered sugar. The best way to enjoy them is when they’re hot, especially when you pair them with a cup of coffee or café au lait!
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook
- Rolling Pin
- Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter
- Greased Bowl
- Clean Damp Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap
- Deep Frying Pan or Dutch Oven
- Digital Cooking Thermometer or Candy Thermometer
- Large Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- As needed Active Dry Yeast (check expiration date)
- Water Lukewarm (98°F to 105°F / 36.5°C to 40.5°C)
- As needed Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- As needed All-Purpose Flour
- As needed Milk
- a pinch Salt
- Unsalted Butter Softened to room temperature
- Vegetable Oil For frying
- As needed Powdered Sugar (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Activate The YeastWhisk warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast dissolves and starts to foam. If it doesn't bubble, the yeast is dead and won't work.
- Add The EggAfter activating the yeast, add the egg and milk to the bowl. Whisk until well combined. Room temperature egg and milk work best.
- Make The DoughStir flour and salt in a stand mixer. Add the yeast mixture and butter. Mix on low speed for about 5 minutes with the dough hook until the dough comes clean from the sides of the bowl.
- Let It RiseTransfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm, dark place for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Form The BeignetsRoll out the dough into a ¾-inch thick rectangle. Cut into strips, then squares.
- Heat The OilHeat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (177°C) in a deep frying pan. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Fry The BeignetsFry 5 to 6 squares at a time for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet.
- Dust And ServeSprinkle powdered sugar on the beignets and serve immediately. Optional: add cinnamon or vanilla sugar for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Beignets Recipe:
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Thermometer:
- Use a deep fry or candy thermometer to ensure the right oil temperature for perfect fried dough. The recommended thermometer is affordable and reliable.
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Yeast Proofing:
- When proofing the yeast mixture, ensure the water temperature is between 110 and 115 degrees (F). Too hot or too cold can affect yeast activation and dough rising.
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Serve Hot:
- Beignets are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serving them immediately is recommended, as they can become soggy and less appealing if they sit for too long.
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Bread Flour:
- The recipe calls for bread flour, a high-gluten flour with added barley flour and vitamin C. Barley flour aids yeast activation, and vitamin C enhances gluten elasticity and gas retention during rising.
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Chill Dough:
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, and the good news is, it can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.
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Generous Yield:
- Be prepared for a large batch of beignets with this recipe, making it perfect for sharing. Consider inviting friends over to help enjoy the abundance.
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Confectioner’s Sugar:
- Don’t skip the confectioner’s sugar! It adds sweetness and flavor. For easy coating, place beignets in a paper bag a few at a time with a generous amount of sugar and shake. Have paper towels nearby for potential mess.
