Beignets at Home: A Sweet Delight

There’s something incredibly comforting about freshly made beignets.

These soft, pillowy pastries, dusted with powdered sugar, are a staple of New Orleans cuisine, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Whether you’ve tasted them in the bustling French Quarter or are new to the world of beignets, making them at home is a delightful experience.

With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can bring the magic of these delightful treats to your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To make 35-40 beignets, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ¾ cup lukewarm water
• 1 .25-ounce packet active dry yeast
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• Neutral oil (for frying)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ¾ cup lukewarm water and 1 .25-ounce packet of active dry yeast.
2. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to go.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. Whisk in the ½ cup evaporated milk, ⅓ cup sugar, ¼ tsp salt, 1 egg, 3 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract into the yeast mixture.
2. Fold in the 4 cups of all-purpose flour. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Pour the dough onto a floured surface.
2. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth.
2. Let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough for Frying

1. Punch the dough down to release any air bubbles.
2. Remove it from the bowl and roll it out on a floured surface until it is about ¼ – ⅓ inch thick.
3. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1 ½ to 2-inch squares or rectangles.
4. Let the squares rest for 10 minutes before frying.

Step 6: Fry the Beignets

1. Heat the neutral oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the oil, fry the dough squares until they are puffy and golden brown. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes per side.
3. Remove the beignets with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 7: Dust and Serve

1. Generously dust the hot beignets with powdered sugar.
2. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and enjoy the sweet, fluffy goodness.

Enjoy Your Homemade Beignets!

Making beignets at home is a fun and rewarding process.

Not only do you get to enjoy the delicious pastries fresh out of the fryer, but you also get the satisfaction of having made them yourself.

Pair your beignets with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect treat any time of the day.

Happy baking!

Credit: @highkeitasty