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Princess and the Frog Beignets (Tiana’s Beignets) Recipe

Princess and the Frog Beignets (Tiana's Beignets) Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Indulge in the classic New Orleans treat with Princess and the Frog Beignets, Tiana’s Beignets recipe. These deep-fried, pillowy squares of dough are crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside, and generously dusted with powdered sugar. Perfectly sweet and flavorful, these beignets are an iconic Southern dessert that’s deceptively simple to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup very warm milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided, 2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup)
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons dry active yeast
  • 1 large egg (at room temperature)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 3/4 to 3 cups all-purpose flour (as needed)

For Frying

  • Vegetable or peanut oil (enough to fill a deep-frying pan or Dutch oven with 2 inches of oil)

For Serving

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl, whisk together very warm milk, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and dry active yeast. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and puffed up, indicating that the yeast is activated.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, the large egg, melted unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and salt into the activated yeast mixture. Combine well to incorporate all ingredients.
  3. Add Flour: Attach a dough hook to your stand mixer or use a spoon in a regular bowl and gradually add 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour while mixing. Continue incorporating the flour until a dough forms.
  4. Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a low speed for 3-4 minutes, adding a sprinkle or two of flour if needed, until the dough becomes elastic and smooth but still slightly sticky. Avoid adding too much flour as it can make the beignets heavy and gummy.
  5. Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with cling wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for at least 2 hours or refrigerate overnight until it doubles in size for enhanced flavor and texture.
  6. Prepare Oil for Frying: Heat 2 inches of vegetable or peanut oil in a deep-frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
  7. Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean countertop or cutting board. Turn the risen dough out onto this surface and use a rubber spatula to scrape out any sticky bits from the bowl. Lightly flour the dough’s surface and a rolling pin, then roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick.
  8. Cut Dough: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 1 to 2-inch squares.
  9. Fry Beignets: Carefully place 4-5 dough squares into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the beignets puff up and turn golden brown. If they do not puff, the oil temperature is too low.
  10. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the beignets with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough squares.
  11. Serve: Allow the beignets to cool for about 5 minutes, then generously dust them with powdered sugar. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this classic treat.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is very warm to properly activate the yeast but not hot to avoid killing it.
  • Do not add too much flour during kneading; the dough should remain slightly sticky for light beignets.
  • If refrigerating overnight, allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling out.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and puffing of beignets.
  • Use a cooking thermometer for accurate oil temperature.
  • Powdered sugar should be added just before serving to avoid sogginess.
  • Use vegetable or peanut oil for frying since they have high smoke points.

Nutrition

Keywords: beignets, Princess and the Frog, Tiana's beignets, New Orleans dessert, fried dough, Southern dessert, Cajun sweets, powdered sugar treats

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/princess-and-the-frog-beignets-tianas-beignets-recipe/