Fried Croissant Beignets

Fried Croissant Beignets are the perfect blend of flaky pastry and rich chocolate filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something sweet, these delightful beignets will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Their unique shape and decadent flavor make them a standout addition to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of flaky pastry and rich chocolate filling creates a delicious bite that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, these fried croissant beignets fit any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these treats without hassle.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: Their croissant shape and beautiful dusting make them visually appealing for gatherings.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, like fruit preserves or cream cheese.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. This will streamline your cooking process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer (or hand-held electric mixer)
• Dough hook attachment
• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Kitchen towel
• Deep frying pan
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading dough easier and more efficient, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Dough hook attachment: Helps incorporate ingredients thoroughly without overworking the dough by hand.
• Deep frying pan: Provides enough space to fry multiple beignets at once while maintaining temperature control.

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

How to Make Fried Croissant Beignets

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Mixture

Combine lukewarm milk, water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Stir gently until combined and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Add flour, eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract (if using), salt, and the yeast mixture to your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
* Start kneading on low speed.
* Once mixed well, increase to medium speed.
* Knead for about 6 – 8 minutes until elastic and smooth.
* Add butter and knead for an additional 3 – 4 minutes until well incorporated.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with clingfilm and let it rise at room temperature for about 1 hour or until visibly increased. For better shaping later, transfer to the fridge for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Shape the Beignets

Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour. Roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 20 cm x 60 cm (8 x 24 inches).
* Cut into sixteen triangles measuring roughly 8 cm x 25 cm (3 inch x 10 inch).
* Roll each triangle starting from the thickest part towards the tip to form croissants.
* Place on the prepared baking sheet; cover with a kitchen towel lightly sprinkled with water.
* Allow them to rise at room temperature for about 1 – 1½ hours until they triple in size.

Step 5: Frying Time!

In a deep frying pan over medium heat, add vegetable oil and allow it to reach between 170 – 180°C / 340 – 355 °F.
* Lightly dust your spatula with flour; pick up one beignet carefully by its seam side facing up.
* Gently drop it into the hot oil along with several others but avoid overcrowding.
* Cover with a lid and fry for about three minutes. Remove lid, turn them over gently and fry uncovered for another three minutes until golden brown.
* Transfer onto paper towel-lined wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Finish with Dusting

In a deep plate, stir together both sugars and cinnamon powder.
Coat each fried croissant beignet in this mixture while they are still warm. To fill them with chocolate spread:
* Use a small knife or scissors to create an incision in each beignet’s base.
* Fill using a pastry bag filled with chocolate spread.

Enjoy your delicious Fried Croissant Beignets!

How to Serve Fried Croissant Beignets

Fried Croissant Beignets are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few creative serving suggestions. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, these ideas will surely impress your guests.

Sweet Dipping Sauces

• Chocolate Sauce: A rich, melted chocolate sauce adds an indulgent touch that complements the beignets’ filling.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the beignets for a sweet and gooey addition.
• Fruit Compote: Serve with a homemade fruit compote for a fresh and tangy contrast.

Whipped Cream Toppings

• Vanilla Whipped Cream: A dollop of vanilla whipped cream enhances the sweetness of the beignets.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: For a tropical twist, use coconut whipped cream as a light topping.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Berries: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a burst of flavor and color when plated alongside your beignets.
• Sliced Bananas: Add sliced bananas for a creamy texture that pairs well with chocolate filling.

How to Perfect Fried Croissant Beignets

Achieving the perfect Fried Croissant Beignets takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you create beignets that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

• Bold Temperature Control: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (170-180°C / 340-355°F) for frying to prevent greasy beignets.
• Bold Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s elastic and smooth; this helps achieve the right texture.
• Bold Resting Time: Allow sufficient time for rising; proper fermentation enhances flavor and fluffiness.
• Bold Dusting Method: Coat beignets in sugar while they’re still warm for better adherence and flavor enhancement.

Best Side Dishes for Fried Croissant Beignets

Pairing side dishes with your Fried Croissant Beignets can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the beignets.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that contrasts beautifully with fried treats.
3. Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory balance to sweet beignets and makes for an elegant presentation.
4. Nut Butter Spread: Offer various nut butters like almond or cashew for dipping, adding protein and flavor diversity.
5. Green Salad: A light green salad dressed in vinaigrette can refresh your palate between bites of sweet pastry.
6. Homemade Granola Bars: These chewy snacks complement the crispy texture of fried beignets while providing energy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve perfect Fried Croissant Beignets, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can affect texture and flavor. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect Yeast Activation: If the yeast isn’t activated properly, your dough won’t rise. Ensure that your milk and water are lukewarm, not hot, when mixing with the yeast and sugar.
• Overworking the Dough: Kneading too long can lead to tough beignets. Once the dough is elastic and smooth, stop kneading and let it rest.
• Inadequate Rising Time: Skipping or rushing the rising process will result in dense beignets. Allow enough time for the dough to triple in size for optimal fluffiness.
• Improper Oil Temperature: Frying at too low or too high a temperature can ruin your beignets. Use a thermometer to maintain oil between 170 – 180°C (340 – 355°F).
• Skipping Dusting Sugar: Not coating your beignets in sugar can make them taste bland. Mix sugar and cinnamon well and generously dust each beignet after frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Fried Croissant Beignets

• Place cooled beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Fried Croissant Beignets

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Place beignets on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds per beignet. This method may make them slightly soft.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat. Add beignets and cover with a lid, warming them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Fried Croissant Beignets:

Can I use different fillings for Fried Croissant Beignets?

You can customize your beignets with various fillings like fruit jams, cream cheese, or nut butter instead of chocolate spread.

How do I know if my oil is ready for frying?

Using a thermometer is best, but you can also drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it bubbles up immediately, it’s ready.

What should I serve with Fried Croissant Beignets?

These delightful treats pair wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate as a perfect breakfast or dessert option.

Can I make Fried Croissant Beignets ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before shaping and frying them fresh when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

Fried Croissant Beignets are a delightful treat that combines flaky pastry with rich chocolate filling. Their versatility allows you to experiment with different fillings and toppings, making them suitable for any occasion. We encourage you to try this recipe out, impressing your friends and family with these delicious creations!