how to make beignets at home

Beignets are a dessert that many Disney fans associate with Disneyland’s French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen located on Downtown Disney, or Disney World’s Port Orleans — French Quarter Resort.

I love this recipe because it is a simple and unique twist to an ordinary donut. It is topped with powdered sugar, and honey on occasion.

The best part is how easy they are to make. Simply mix all of the ingredients into a dough, let it rise, and fry them in a deep fryer. Once they are cooked, top with powdered sugar and enjoy your tasty treat.

Where did beignets originate from?

Beignets are recognized as being the state donut of Louisiana, but they actually came from ancient Rome. Europeans have been eating fried dough for centuries, and have come up with different recipes and variations.

French settlers brought beignets with them when they migrated to a region called Acadia in Canada. When forced out of Acadia, many people settled in Louisiana.

Today, beignets are largely associated with the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. Specifically being made famous by Café Du Monde.

How are beignets different from donuts?

The main difference between beignets and donuts is the texture. Beignets are made with more yeast, but fewer eggs. This results in a softer, or even hollow center.

Are beignets hollow?

Traditionally, beignets are part of the French choux pastry category, which are raised with steam and have a hollow center. Raising them with steam gives them a lighter and more airy texture.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm water
• .25 oz active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup evaporated millk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups bread flour
• 3 Tbsp melted butter
• 1 quart vegetable oil – or flavorless oil
• Honey (topping)
• Powdered sugar (topping)

Supplies

Deep Fryer

Instructions

1. In a mixer or large bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Allow it to dissolve for about 5 minutes.
2. Whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, salt, egg, and vanilla extract. Add to yeast mixture.
3. Add 2 cups of bread flour, one cup at a time, and continue mixing for 2 minutes.
4. Melt butter in the microwave.
5. Add melted butter and remaining flour until the dough is sticky, but smooth. Add additional flour if dough is too sticky.
6. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 1-2 minutes.
7. Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning once to coat the dough with oil. Cover loosely with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 2 hours, or until it is doubled in size.
8. Punch the dough down and remove from the bowl.
9. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 1/4-1/3 inch thickness. Cut out dough into 2″ squares or use a desired cookie cutter of similar size. Let cut dough rest for 10 minutes before frying.
10. Depending on the size of your fryer, fry 1-2 dough squares or shapes at a time until they are puffy and golden brown. Remove from the oil, set cooked beignets on paper towels to drain for a few seconds.
11. Drizzle with honey (if desired) and sprinkle the beignets with a generous amount of powdered sugar.

Recipe card

Yield: 20-30

Copycat Beignet Recipe

Print

Beignets (ben-yays) made an appearance in Disney's Princess and the Frog as a tasty treat served by Tiana herself. But these delicous pastries are surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients, you and your family enjoy a taste of New Orleans for yourselves.

Prep Time 2 hours 3 seconds

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 2 hours 4 seconds

Total Time 5 hours 7 seconds

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm water
• .25 oz active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup evaporated millk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups bread flour
• 3 Tbsp melted butter
• 1 quart vegetable oil - or flavorless oil
• Honey (topping)
• Powdered sugar (topping)

Instructions

1. In a mixer or large bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Allow it to dissolve for about 5 minutes.

2. Whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, salt, egg, and vanilla extract. Add to yeast mixture.

3. Add 2 cups of bread flour, one cup at a time, and continue mixing for 2 minutes.

4. Melt butter in the microwave.

5. Add melted butter and remaining flour until the dough is sticky, but smooth. Add additional flour if dough is too sticky.

6. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 1-2 minutes.

7. Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning once to coat the dough with oil. Cover loosely with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 2 hours, or until it is doubled in size.

8. Punch the dough down and remove from the bowl.

9. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 1/4-1/3 inch thickness. Cut out dough into 2" squares or use a desired cookie cutter of similar size. Let cut dough rest for 10 minutes before frying.

10. Depending on the size of your fryer, fry 1-2 dough squares or shapes at a time until they are puffy and golden brown. Remove from the oil, set cooked beignets on paper towels to drain for a few seconds.

11. Drizzle with honey (if desired) and sprinkle the beignets with a generous amount of powdered sugar.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

30

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 160Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 270mgCarbohydrates: 21gNet Carbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 3g

How much sugar do you put on beignets?

The amount of powdered sugar varies based on personal preference. The easiest thing to do would be to put the powdered sugar in a sifter, then lightly tap the sifter over the beignets until you reach the desired amount.

Can beignets be served cold?

Beignets are intended to be served fresh and warm. The longer they sit, the powdered sugar will melt to their surface and become sticky. It is much better served warm, with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.

More Disney Copycat Recipes

• Copycat Disneyland Corn Dogs Recipe

Beignets are a treat straight from New Orleans‘s French Quarter, but this recipe will allow you and your family to bring a little of the bayou into your home. With easy-to-follow instructions, these popular pastries are sure to become a family favorite.

The post Copycat Mickey Mouse Beignets Recipe appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.