Homemade Beignets

Nothing beats a fried piece of dough doused in powdered sugar. These homemade beignets make for the perfect dessert, breakfast or midday treat ;). Why take a trip to the famous Cafe Du Monde in sunny New Orleans, Louisiana, when you can prepare these copycat beignets right in your own kitchen?

Brought to the United States in the 18th century by French colonists, these famous doughnuts have definitely made their mark. More recently, beignets have been named the official state doughnut of Louisiana in 1986.

Homemade Beignets

• Prep Time:2 hrs 25 mins
• Cook Time:15 mins
• Total Time:2 hrs 40 mins
• Servings:36
• Easy

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 envelope active dry yeast
• 2 eggs slightly beaten
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 7 cups bread flour
• 1/4 cup shortening
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar

• Step 1

  Mix water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes.

  

• Step 2

  In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, salt, and evaporated milk together.

  

• Step 3

  Add egg mixture to yeast mixture and combine until smooth.

  

• Step 4

  Slowly stir in 3 cups of bread flour until well combined. Then add shortening and the remaining flour until dough like consistency.

  

• Step 5

  Place dough on lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.

  

• Step 6

  Coat a large bowl with oil and place dough in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise at least 2 hours or place in refrigerator overnight.

  

• Step 7

  Pour 1-3 inches of oil in a dutch oven or pot, and heat until 350°. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut 2-inch squares.
  #SpoonTip: Use a pizza cutter to cut the squares easily.

  

• Step 8

  Place about 3-4 squares at a time in the oil and fry. Continuously flip until golden brown on both sides.

  

• Step 9

  Drain on a paper towel, and coat with lots of powder sugar, and enjoy.
  #SpoonTip: The beignets are best enjoyed while they're still hot.