New Orleans Beignet Doughnuts

Servings: 10 Difficulty: Intermediate
Light, airy fried dough squares dusted with powdered sugar, inspired by the famous French Quarter treats.
New Orleans Beignet Doughnuts recipe image

These New Orleans-style beignets are the ultimate comfort food, offering a pillowy soft interior and a crisp, golden exterior. Unlike traditional yeast doughnuts, these rely on a chilled dough process that creates a unique, tender crumb. The recipe uses evaporated milk for a rich, slightly sweet flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a heavy dusting of confectioners’ sugar. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, warm and messy, making them an ideal treat for weekend brunches or special celebrations. While they require a bit of patience for chilling, the result is a bakery-quality pastry that is surprisingly simple to make at home with basic pantry ingredients.

New Orleans Beignet Doughnuts

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 10 Calories: 2236.1

Description

These New Orleans-style beignets are the ultimate comfort food, offering a pillowy soft interior and a crisp, golden exterior. Unlike traditional yeast doughnuts, these rely on a chilled dough process that creates a unique, tender crumb. The recipe uses evaporated milk for a rich, slightly sweet flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a heavy dusting of confectioners' sugar. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, warm and messy, making them an ideal treat for weekend brunches or special celebrations. While they require a bit of patience for chilling, the result is a bakery-quality pastry that is surprisingly simple to make at home with basic pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water and stir gently to dissolve.
  2. Add sugar, salt, eggs, and evaporated milk to the yeast mixture.
  3. Beat the mixture with a rotary beater or stand mixer until combined.
  4. Add 4 cups of the sifted flour and beat until the batter is smooth.
  5. Mix in the soft shortening, then gradually beat in the remaining 3 cups of flour until a stiff dough forms.
  6. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 360&# 194;°F (180ðC).
  8. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into squares.
  9. Carefully lower a few pieces of dough into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned on both sides.
  10. Remove fried beignets and drain on paper towels.
  11. Sprinkle generously with confectioners' sugar while still warm.
  12. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10


Amount Per Serving
Calories 2236.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 54.9g85%
Saturated Fat 14.2g71%
Cholesterol 201.5mg68%
Sodium 5132.7mg214%
Total Carbohydrate 372.5g125%
Dietary Fiber 12.8g52%
Sugars 38.5g
Protein 55.6g112%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

If the beignets do not rise to the top of the oil immediately upon dropping them in, the oil is not hot enough. Ensure your oil maintains a steady 360ðF for best results.

The dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Do not skip the chilling step, as it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut, and improves the texture.

For best texture, use fresh confectioners' sugar. If it clumps, sift it before sprinkling over the hot beignets.

Keywords: beignets, new orleans, fried dough, powdered sugar, yeast dough, dessert, brunch, comfort food, evaporated milk, chilled dough, french quarter, pastry, sweet treat, deep fried, homemade
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