Description
This Royal Bakery Box Beignet recipe offers a French-inspired sweet treat with light, fluffy dough fried to golden perfection and dusted generously with powdered sugar. Perfect for recreating a classic café-style experience at home, these beignets are crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them an irresistible indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Yeast Mixture
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
Dough Ingredients
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil for frying, 2–3 inches deep
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F) and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add granulated sugar, salt, egg, milk, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until smooth. Then incorporate the softened butter and gradually add the remaining flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, which develops gluten structure for proper texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness, then cut into 2-inch squares or rectangles.
- Rest Dough Pieces: Allow the cut dough pieces to rest for 15 to 20 minutes while you heat the oil for frying.
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is at the right temperature for proper frying.
- Fry Beignets: Fry the beignets in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they puff up and turn a golden brown color. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried beignets and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Dust them generously with powdered sugar and serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough before kneading.
- Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a preheated oven to regain crispiness.
- Serve these sweet treats with coffee or hot chocolate to mimic an authentic French café experience.
