Fried Croissant Beignets are a delightful treat that combines the flaky texture of croissants with the indulgence of beignets. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, these sweet pastries filled with chocolate spread will impress anyone who tries them. Their unique shape and delicious taste make them a standout choice for any gathering or just a cozy day at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious treats.
- Flavorful Filling: The rich chocolate spread adds a decadent touch, making each bite unforgettable.
- Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, these beignets fit any occasion.
- Impressive Presentation: Their beautiful croissant shape makes them look as good as they taste.
- Perfectly Sweet: The combination of sugar and cinnamon gives a delightful sweetness without being overwhelming.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making Fried Croissant Beignets, gather your tools and ensure you have everything ready for a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Dough hook
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Frying pan with lid
- Pastry bag (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Saves time and effort in kneading dough while ensuring it reaches the right consistency.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to achieve the perfect croissant shape.
- Frying pan with lid: Helps maintain heat while frying, ensuring the beignets cook evenly.
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 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add flour, eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract (if using), salt, and the yeast mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
Start kneading on low speed and then increase to medium speed. Knead for about 6 – 8 minutes until elastic and smooth.
Add butter and continue kneading for another 3 – 4 minutes until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Cover the dough with cling film and let it rise at room temperature for approximately 1 hour until visibly increased.
Transfer to the fridge for about 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
Step 4: Shape the Croissants
Lightly dust a large baking sheet with flour. Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring about 20 cm x 60 cm (8 x 24 inches).
Cut into approximately sixteen triangles measuring around 8 cm x 25 cm (3 inches x 10 inches).
Roll each triangle starting from the thickest side towards the tip to form croissants. Place on the prepared baking sheet covered with a kitchen towel that has been lightly sprinkled with water. Allow to rise at room temperature for about 1 – 1½ hours until they triple in size.
Step 5: Fry the Beignets
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat until it reaches between 170 -180°C / 340 -355°F.
Carefully pick up one beignet using a spatula dusted with flour. Drop it gently into the oil along with a few more beignets but do not overcrowd. Cover with a lid and fry for about three minutes before removing the lid. Flip them over and fry uncovered for another three minutes until golden brown. Transfer cooked beignets onto paper towels on a wire rack.
Step 6: Dust and Fill Your Beignets
In a deep plate, mix together both sugars and cinnamon powder for dusting. Coat each fried croissant beignet in this mixture while still warm. For an extra treat, fill them with chocolate spread by making an incision at the bottom using a small kitchen knife or scissors and filling them using a pastry bag if desired.
Enjoy your delightful Fried Croissant Beignets! They are sure to become an instant favorite among family and friends!
How to Serve Fried Croissant Beignets
Fried Croissant Beignets are delightful treats that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will surely impress your guests.
With Chocolate Dipping Sauce
- Melted chocolate makes for a rich, indulgent dipping experience. Serve warm beignets alongside a small bowl of melted chocolate for dipping.
Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar
- A classic touch, sprinkling powdered sugar on top adds sweetness and visual appeal. It also balances the flavors if you choose to fill them with chocolate spread.
Paired with Fresh Berries
- Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beignets. Arrange them on the plate for a colorful presentation.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle caramel sauce over the beignets. This sticky addition complements the fluffy texture beautifully.
Served with Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream can enhance the dessert-like quality of these beignets. Offer it as a side for dipping or dolloping.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- A warm beverage pairs perfectly with fried croissant beignets. Consider serving them alongside a rich coffee or herbal tea for a comforting treat.
How to Perfect Fried Croissant Beignets
Perfecting your Fried Croissant Beignets can elevate your baking game. Follow these tips to ensure your beignets turn out delicious every time.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your milk, eggs, and butter to reach room temperature helps create a smoother dough that rises better.
- Knead thoroughly: Ensure you knead the dough until it is elastic and smooth. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your fried beignets.
- Monitor oil temperature: Keep an eye on the frying oil’s temperature using a thermometer. Too hot will burn the outside while leaving the inside raw; too cool will make them greasy.
- Let them rise adequately: Allowing the shaped croissants to rise until they triple in size ensures they are fluffy and light once fried.
- Fill while warm: Filling your fried croissant beignets while they are still warm allows for easier filling and enhances flavor absorption.
- Experiment with fillings: Don’t hesitate to try different fillings like fruit jams or cream cheese for variety beyond chocolate spread.
Best Side Dishes for Fried Croissant Beignets
Fried Croissant Beignets can shine even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here’s a list of fantastic options to consider serving alongside them.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast and balances sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful cold contrast against warm beignets.
- Cinnamon Applesauce: The spiced flavors of applesauce enhance the cinnamon notes in the doughnut.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a healthy option to accompany your sweet treat.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy pudding adds nutrition and pairs nicely with the rich flavors of beignets.
- Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche brings a savory element that contrasts wonderfully with sweet pastries.
- Herbed Salad: A light salad with fresh herbs adds brightness and freshness, balancing out heavier flavors.
- Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, this rich dessert can pair beautifully with chocolate-filled beignets for an indulgent treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Fried Croissant Beignets can be a fun experience, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Not using lukewarm liquids: Yeast thrives in warm environments. If your milk and water are too cold or hot, the yeast may not activate properly. Always check the temperature before mixing.
- Skipping the dough resting time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for achieving fluffy beignets. Skipping this step can result in dense pastries that don’t puff up as intended.
- Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many beignets at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy treats. Always leave enough space for them to float freely in the oil.
- Inaccurate measurements: Baking requires precision. Use a kitchen scale for measuring ingredients like flour and sugar to ensure consistent results every time.
- Under-filling or over-filling: When adding chocolate spread, be careful not to overfill, as it can ooze out during frying. Start with a small amount and adjust based on your preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Fried Croissant Beignets in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Fried Croissant Beignets
- Place cooled beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Fried Croissant Beignets
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place beignets on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one beignet at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent them from becoming tough.
- Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Fried Croissant Beignets:
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should visibly increase in size and feel light and airy when it’s ready. It usually takes about an hour at room temperature.
Can I use different fillings in Fried Croissant Beignets?
Absolutely! While chocolate spread is popular, you can also experiment with fruit jams, custards, or even savory fillings.
What is the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil is great for frying Fried Croissant Beignets due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Can I make these beignets ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape it beforehand, then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to fry.
How should I serve Fried Croissant Beignets?
They taste best fresh out of the fryer, dusted with sugar and cinnamon. Serve them warm alongside coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
Final Thoughts
Fried Croissant Beignets are not just delicious but also versatile. With their flaky texture and rich filling options, they can impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth anytime. Feel free to customize with your favorite fillings or toppings—get creative!
Fried Croissant Beignets
Fried Croissant Beignets are an irresistible fusion of flaky croissant pastry and the indulgence of a beignet, perfect for any occasion. These delightful treats are filled with rich chocolate spread, creating a sweet surprise in every bite. Whether enjoyed at brunch, as a dessert, or simply as a snack, these beignets are sure to impress with their unique shape and delectable flavor. Easy to make, they provide an impressive presentation that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Dust them with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and serve warm for the ultimate treat experience.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 350 g (12 oz) Chocolate Spread (Lino Lada)
Instructions
- Combine lukewarm milk, water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Stir well and set aside for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add flour, eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract (if using), salt, and the yeast mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Start kneading on low speed and then increase to medium speed. Knead for about 6 – 8 minutes until elastic and smooth. Add butter and continue kneading for another 3 – 4 minutes until fully incorporated.
- Cover the dough with cling film and let it rise at room temperature for approximately 1 hour until visibly increased. Transfer to the fridge for about 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
- Lightly dust a large baking sheet with flour. Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring about 20 cm x 60 cm (8 x 24 inches). Cut into approximately sixteen triangles measuring around 8 cm x 25 cm (3 inches x 10 inches). Roll each triangle starting from the thickest side towards the tip to form croissants. Place on the prepared baking sheet covered with a kitchen towel that has been lightly sprinkled with water. Allow to rise at room temperature for about 1 – 1½ hours until they triple in size.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat until it reaches between 170 -180°C / 340 -355°F. Carefully pick up one beignet using a spatula dusted with flour. Drop it gently into the oil along with a few more beignets but do not overcrowd. Cover with a lid and fry for about three minutes before removing the lid. Flip them over and fry uncovered for another three minutes until golden brown. Transfer cooked beignets onto paper towels on a wire rack.
- In a deep plate, mix together both sugars and cinnamon powder for dusting. Coat each fried croissant beignet in this mixture while still warm. For an extra treat, fill them with chocolate spread by making an incision at the bottom using a small kitchen knife or scissors and filling them using a pastry bag if desired.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better dough consistency. Experiment with different fillings such as fruit jams or cream cheese. Ensure oil temperature is monitored closely to achieve perfect frying results.
