Soft French Beignets are truly a delightful treasure in the world of pastries. There’s something magical about biting into these golden, pillowy treats that takes you straight to the streets of Paris. The combination of flour, yeast, milk, sugar, and a little oil creates a dough that transforms into soft, airy beignets when fried to perfection. Whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy evening at home, this recipe is sure to impress.

Reasons to Try It

There’s a charm in making Soft French Beignets at home that goes beyond just the taste. They’re budget-friendly and incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion—from casual weekend mornings to festive gatherings. Plus, everyone loves a warm, fluffy beignet dusted with powdered sugar!

"Making these beignets was a game-changer for my weekend brunch! They disappeared fast, and my family couldn’t get enough!"

Step-by-step Overview

Making Soft French Beignets at Home is an enjoyable endeavor that requires just a few fundamental ingredients and some patience. You’ll start by creating a dough with your key ingredients, let it rise, shape it into delightful squares, and then fry them until they’re golden brown. It sounds simple, and it is!

What You’ll Need

Gather these items to create your delicious beignets:

Flour: The backbone of your dough.
Yeast: For the fluffy texture.
Milk: Helps to soften the dough.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the mix.
Oil: Essential for frying.

For a quick tip—if you’re out of yeast, you can use baking powder as a substitute, but the texture will be slightly different.

Directions to Follow

Let’s get fryin’! Follow these easy steps to create your Soft French Beignets:

In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In another bowl, mix the flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture, and stir until combined.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for an hour or until doubled in size.
Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness, and cut into squares or rectangles.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry beignets in batches until golden brown on each side—about 2-3 minutes.
Remove and drain on paper towels before dusting generously with powdered sugar.

{image_2}

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Soft French Beignets are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer! You can serve them simply dusted with powdered sugar, or get creative with some delicious accompaniments. Think warm chocolate sauce for dipping, fresh berries, or even a scoop of ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store your beignets in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best consumed within a day or two. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain that warm, soft texture.

Practical Cooking Tips

Temperature Check: Make sure the milk is warm (not hot) when activating yeast; too high a temperature can kill it.
Kneading Mastery: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Avoid adding too much flour, as it’ll make the beignets dense.
Don’t Rush the Frying: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. This helps to achieve that perfect golden crust.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you can try:

Spiced Beignets: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for a warm flavor twist.
Filled Beignets: Get creative with fillings like chocolate, custard, or fruit jams for a delightful surprise.
Savory Beignets: Incorporate herbs and cheese into the dough for a savory version perfect as appetizers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make soft French beignets?

The entire process takes about two hours, which includes kneading, rising, and frying time.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Whole wheat flour will give a nuttier flavor, but the beignets may be denser.

How do I ensure my beignets are fluffy?

Properly activating the yeast is key. Make sure your milk is warm enough but not too hot. Kneading the dough sufficiently and allowing it to rise properly will also contribute to a fluffy texture.

Enjoy crafting these Soft French Beignets at home and delight in the warm, comforting flavors they bring!

Soft French Beignets

Author: majestyrecipes
Total Time: 60
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful soft and airy treats that transport you to the streets of Paris with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In another bowl, mix the flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture, and stir until combined.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for an hour or until doubled in size.
Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness, and cut into squares or rectangles.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry beignets in batches until golden brown on each side—about 2-3 minutes.
Remove and drain on paper towels before dusting generously with powdered sugar.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh and warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Prep Time: 30
Cook Time: 30
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 beignet
Calories: 200
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: beignets, French pastries, dessert, fried dough, homemade treats