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French Beignets Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

Classic French-style beignets made from rich cream puff dough, fried to golden perfection, then rolled and dusted in sugar for a light, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet treat.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Finely grated zest of 2 oranges (divided)
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying and Finishing

  • Vegetable shortening for frying
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • Confectioners’ (powdered) sugar for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with paper towels to drain the fried beignets later, and set it aside.
  2. Make the dough base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, salt, and half of the orange zest. Bring this mixture to a rapid boil.
  3. Add flour and form dough: Remove the pan from heat and stir in all the flour vigorously. Return the pan to low heat and continue stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball. Remove from heat once this is achieved.
  4. Incorporate eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the dough, mixing well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract at the end.
  5. Heat the shortening: Melt vegetable shortening in a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heating it to 370°F (188°C) to ensure proper frying temperature.
  6. Fry the beignets: Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, drop teaspoon-sized portions of dough into the hot shortening in batches. Fry them for 3 to 5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. Remove beignets with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet to drain.
  7. Coat with sugar: Combine the remaining orange zest and 1 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. While the beignets are still warm, roll them in this sugar mixture to coat evenly.
  8. Serve: Just before serving, dust the beignets generously with confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately while warm and fluffy for the best experience.

Notes

  • Ensure the shortening is at the correct temperature (370°F) for perfectly crispy and puffed beignets.
  • The orange zest adds a subtle citrus aroma; don’t skip it for authentic flavor.
  • Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy beignets.
  • Use paper towels to drain excess oil and keep the beignets light.
  • Serve promptly for optimal texture, as beignets are best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/french-beignets-recipe/