Beignets (New Orleans Style French Doughnuts)
Beignets are delicious French doughnuts that are popular throughout New Orleans. They're light, fluffy and dusted with heaps of powdered sugar! Enjoy them hot and fresh with a cup of coffee.
Servings 35 beignets
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup whole milk warmed
- 1 whole large egg
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups bread flour
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast, milk, egg, white sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
- Add the salt and gradually add the flour, a third at a time, stirring with each addition.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball.
- Clean and dry the bowl and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and grease the inside of the bowl. Place the dough ball in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place in a warm place and allow dough to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 13 x 9 rectangle. Cut evenly into squares and gently place in an even layer on the parchment lined baking sheet.
- In a cast iron skillet, pour 2 to 3 cups of oil and heat over medium high.
- When oil reaches about 350 degrees, add in the beignets, one by one, frying no more than 5 or 6 at a time.
- Fry on each side until golden brown, about 1 ½ to 2 minutes per side.
- Remove the beignets from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate. While still hot, sprinkle with plenty of powdered sugar and enjoy hot and fresh!