These New Orleans Beignets are light as a feather and sweet as sugar!
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 10 minutesminutes
Rising Time 2 hourshours
Total Time 2 hourshours25 minutesminutes
Servings 24beignets
Ingredients
¾cupwarm water110-115 degrees F
1 ¼teaspoonsactive dry yeast(1 packet)
3tablespoonssugar
1large egg
1egg yolk
½cupevaporated milk
1teaspoonvanilla extract
3tablespoonssalted butter
3 ½cupsall-purpose flour
4cupsoilvegetable oil or canola oil
2cupspowdered sugar
Instructions
Add the warm water to the bowl of a stand mixer.
Add the yeast and sugar to the water and whisk to combine. Let the yeast mixture sit for 10 minutes until active and frothy.
While the yeast is proofing, crack the eggs into a separate small bowl and lightly beat them. Add the vanilla and evaporated milk.
Place the bowl on the mixer stand with the dough hook attached. Add the egg and milk mixture to the yeast. Mix on low speed for about 1 minute, or until well combined.
Add half the flour and continue mixing on low speed.
Add the butter and the remaining flour. Mix on low until the dough forms a ball.
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning so that the top side is coated with oil. Cover and place the dough in a warm place until it has doubled in size (approximately two hours).
Lightly flour a work surface and transfer the dough from the bowl. Sprinkled the top of the dough with additional flour. Roll out the dough to a thickness of ¼- to ½-inch.
With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into about 2 ½- to 3-inch squares.
In a Dutch oven or deep cast iron skillet, add oil to a depth of 2-3 inches. Heat to 350 degrees F.
Add the dough squares, a few pieces at a time, without overcrowding the pot. Fry for about 1 minute per side.
Use a large slotted spoon or spider to remove the cooked beignets from the hot oil and drain on a paper towel lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the dough is used.
Transfer beignets to a serving plate and top heavily with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serving Size: 3 beignetsMaking beignets in advance - Unfortunately, beignets are meant to be served and enjoyed while still warm. They don't keep well.A 2-inch rectangle is the traditional size and is what you'd be served at Cafe du Monde. However, you can make them any size you like.