Beignets are a delicious French pastry, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for a sweet treat or a special brunch, these golden bites are a delightful way to satisfy your craving for something warm and fluffy. Here’s how you can make 30 fresh beignets right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients (for 30 beignets)
- ¾ cup lukewarm water (180 mL)
- 3 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk (120 mL)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g), plus 2 tablespoons
- 4 cups bread flour (500 g), plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 cups canola oil (1.9 L), for frying, plus more for greasing
- Powdered sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
- Pour the lukewarm water into a medium bowl or large liquid measuring cup. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, and ¼ cup of sugar to the yeast mixture. Whisk together until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour and kosher salt. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a flexible spatula to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead it with your hands for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth ball.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Grease a large clean bowl with canola oil. Place the dough in the greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Beignets:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 2-inch (5 cm) squares.
- Fry the Beignets:
- Heat the canola oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350˚F (180˚C). Fry the dough squares in batches, 3-4 at a time, flipping them as soon as they puff up. Fry for 2-3 minutes, until both sides are golden brown. Remove the beignets using tongs and place them on a wire rack to drain.
- Finish with Powdered Sugar:
- While still warm, dust the beignets generously with powdered sugar.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your beignets warm, accompanied by coffee or hot chocolate for a true café-style treat.
Conclusion
Making beignets at home is a fun and rewarding experience. These pillowy, sugar-dusted pastries are a delightful way to bring a little New Orleans magic into your kitchen. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, they are sure to disappear quickly—so make sure to grab one for yourself! Enjoy!
