Mardi Gras Beignets Sugar (Printable)

Light and airy beignets dusted with powdered sugar, inspired by New Orleans traditions.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
02 - 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
03 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

→ For Frying

09 - 6 cups vegetable oil for deep-frying

→ Topping

10 - 2 cups powdered sugar for dusting

# Steps:

01 - Combine lukewarm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until mixture becomes frothy and activated.
02 - Beat eggs, sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
03 - Pour the yeast mixture into the egg mixture. Stir in salt and half of the flour, mixing until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add remaining flour while mixing until a sticky, cohesive dough forms. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed.
05 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
06 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
07 - Punch down risen dough. Roll out on floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2 1/2-inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
08 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Use a kitchen thermometer to verify temperature.
09 - Fry beignets in batches without overcrowding. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, turning once, until puffed and golden brown on both sides.
10 - Remove beignets with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, generously dust all sides with powdered sugar.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These fry up into the lightest, airiest pillows you will ever taste
  • The magic happens when hot dough meets that cloud of powdered sugar
02 -
  • Hot oil splatters when dough hits it, so stand back and use long handled tools
  • That one and a half hour rise time is not optional, patience makes the difference between tough and tender
03 -
  • A pizza cutter makes the cleanest squares and saves so much time
  • Have your paper towels ready before you start frying, every second counts

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