Fried Croissant Beignets

Fried Croissant Beignets are a delightful treat that combines the flaky texture of croissants with the indulgence of beignets. These treats are perfect for any occasion, from brunch gatherings to festive celebrations. With their decadent chocolate filling and crispy exterior, they are sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery dough and rich chocolate filling creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to fill these beignets with your favorite spreads or leave them plain for a lighter option.
• Impressive Presentation: Their unique shape and dusting of sugar make these beignets visually stunning on any dessert table.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, these treats are ideal for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
• Fun Cooking Experience: Making Fried Croissant Beignets is a fun project that brings joy to both novice and experienced bakers.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Fried Croissant Beignets, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can simplify the process and enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Kitchen towel
• Deep frying pan with lid
• Spatula
• Pastry bag (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer: These tools make kneading the dough easier and ensure proper texture without much effort.
• Deep frying pan with lid: A deep frying pan allows for even cooking, while the lid helps maintain heat during frying for perfectly cooked beignets.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) water
• 21 g (2 tbsp 1 tsp) active dry yeast
• 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar
• 550 g (4 1/2 cups) Manitoba flour (or bread flour)
• 2 eggs (120g or 4.2 oz)
• 1 egg yolk (20g or 0.7 oz)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free) (optional)
• 5 g (3/4 tsp) salt
• 70 g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter

For Frying and Dusting

• 750 ml (3 1/2 cups) vegetable oil, for frying
• 80 g (1/3 cup) sugar
• 40 g (1/3 cup) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder

For Filling

• 350 g (12 oz) Chocolate Spread (Lino Lada)

How to Make Fried Croissant Beignets

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Combine lukewarm milk, water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Stir well and set aside for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add flour, eggs, egg yolk, optional vanilla extract, salt, and the yeast mixture into a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
– Start kneading on low speed.
– Increase to medium speed and knead for about 6 – 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
– Add butter and continue kneading for another 3 – 4 minutes until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Let it Rise

Cover the bowl with clingfilm and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour. Transfer to the fridge for an additional 30 minutes to make shaping easier.

Step 4: Shape the Beignets

Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour. Roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring about 20 cm x 60 cm.
– Cut into approximately sixteen triangles measuring around 8 cm x 25 cm.
– Roll each triangle starting from the thickest edge to form croissants.
– Place them on the baking sheet, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let them rise until tripled in size, about 1 – 1.5 hours.

Step 5: Fry the Beignets

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat until it reaches about 170 – 180°C / 340 – 355 °F.
– Carefully place one beignet seam side up into the oil.
– Fry in batches of about four at a time.
– Cover with a lid and fry for about three minutes; then remove the lid, turn them over, and fry uncovered for another three minutes.
– Transfer fried beignets onto paper towel-lined wire racks.

Step 6: Dusting & Filling

In a deep plate, mix together both sugars and cinnamon powder. Coat each fried beignet in this mixture.
– Optionally fill each beignet using a pastry bag by making a small incision at the bottom before serving.

Now you have delicious Fried Croissant Beignets ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Fried Croissant Beignets

Fried Croissant Beignets are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them plain or with a filling, these beignets are sure to impress your guests.

With Chocolate Filling

• Fill the beignets with a rich chocolate spread for an indulgent dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth.

Dusted with Sugar

• Dust the fried beignets with a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon for a simple yet delicious serving option.

Pairing with Fresh Fruits

• Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the beignets.

With Whipped Cream

• Offer a side of whipped cream for dipping, creating a creamy complement to the crispy texture of the beignets.

Accompanied by Fruit Sauces

• Drizzle with fruit sauces like raspberry or mango for an extra burst of flavor that enhances the dish.

How to Perfect Fried Croissant Beignets

To achieve the best results when making Fried Croissant Beignets, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active for better dough rise and fluffiness.
• Control Dough Temperature: Keep your dough at room temperature during rising for optimal fermentation.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Fry at the right temperature (170-180°C / 340-355°F) to avoid greasy beignets.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry only a few beignets at a time to maintain even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Let Them Cool: Allow beignets to cool slightly before dusting with sugar for better adherence.

Best Side Dishes for Fried Croissant Beignets

Pairing Fried Croissant Beignets with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some suggestions:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits provides a creamy, tangy contrast.
3. Chocolate Sauce: A warm chocolate sauce is perfect for dipping and adds indulgence.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream is an excellent pairing that makes each bite even more enjoyable.
5. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs well, balancing sweetness with richness.
6. Nut Butter Spread: Almond or hazelnut butter can enhance flavors when drizzled over warm beignets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fried Croissant Beignets can be a delightful treat, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold ingredient measurement: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the texture. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Bold temperature control: Frying at too high or too low temperatures can lead to burnt or raw beignets. Use a thermometer to ensure oil is at 170-180°C (340-355°F).
• Bold insufficient rising time: Not allowing the dough to rise properly will affect fluffiness. Be patient; let it rise until it triples in size.
• Bold overcrowding the pan: Frying too many beignets at once can lower the oil temperature. Work in batches for even cooking.
• Bold improper cooling method: Skipping the paper towel-lined rack after frying can make them soggy. Always drain on paper towels first.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Fried Croissant Beignets in an airtight container.
• They will keep fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fried Croissant Beignets

• Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Fried Croissant Beignets

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F), place beignets on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious as this may soften them too much.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Fried Croissant Beignets?

Fried Croissant Beignets are fluffy pastries shaped like croissants and fried until golden brown. They are often filled with delicious chocolate spread.

How do I make Fried Croissant Beignets vegan?

To make these beignets vegan, you can replace eggs with a flaxseed egg and use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter.

Can I fill Fried Croissant Beignets with something other than chocolate?

Yes! You can fill them with fruit preserves, whipped cream, or even savory fillings like cheese or spiced vegetables.

How long do Fried Croissant Beignets last?

When stored properly, they last up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

Fried Croissant Beignets are not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with your favorite sweet treat, they are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to get creative with fillings and toppings to make them your own!

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Fried Croissant Beignets

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 16 servings 1x

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Description

Fried Croissant Beignets are a mouthwatering fusion of flaky croissant dough and sweet, crispy beignets. These delectable treats are filled with rich chocolate spread, making them a perfect indulgence for any occasion, from brunch gatherings to festive celebrations. With their golden-brown exterior and light, airy texture, these beignets will surely impress family and friends alike. Easy to make and fun to customize with various fillings or toppings, they invite creativity in the kitchen while delivering an irresistible flavor experience in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 60 ml milk
• 120 ml water
• 21 g active dry yeast
• 50 g sugar
• 550 g Manitoba flour (or bread flour)
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 5 g salt
• 70 g unsalted butter
• 750 ml vegetable oil (for frying)
• 350 g chocolate spread

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Instructions

1. Prepare the yeast mixture by combining lukewarm milk, water, yeast, and sugar; let it froth for about 10 minutes.
2. Mix flour, eggs, egg yolk, salt, and the yeast mixture in a stand mixer. Knead until smooth, then incorporate butter.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size; refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and cut into triangles. Shape into croissant forms and let rise again until tripled in size.
5. Heat oil to the correct frying temperature and fry each beignet until golden brown on both sides.
6. Dust with sugar-cinnamon mixture and fill with chocolate spread if desired.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 194
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 34mg