Save Festive, light, and fluffy beignets shaped and decorated like Christmas ornaments—perfect for holiday celebrations and treats.
I have enjoyed making these beignets every Christmas with my family, bringing joy through baking and decorating.
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast, 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C), 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs room temperature, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Frying: 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Decoration: 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 4 tablespoons milk, Food coloring (red, green, blue, gold, silver etc.), Assorted festive sprinkles and edible pearls
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Whisk in sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Step 4:
- Roll dough out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a 2-inch cutter. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- Step 5:
- Place rounds on parchment-lined trays. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry beignets in batches for 2 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and cool.
- Step 7:
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth, spreadable icing. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Step 8:
- Dip or spread icing over cooled beignets. Decorate with sprinkles and edible pearls to resemble Christmas ornaments. Let set before serving.
Save These beignets have become a cherished holiday tradition, bringing family together for festive fun and delicious treats.
Notes
For extra flavor, add orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. Use piping bags for precise icing designs. Serve with hot chocolate or mulled wine for a festive touch.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Rolling pin, 2-inch round cutter, Deep fryer or heavy pot, Slotted spoon, Parchment paper, Cooling rack
Nutritional Information
Calories: 175, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g per beignet
Save Enjoy your festive beignets fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes these beignets light and fluffy?
The combination of yeast fermentation, gentle kneading, and proper rising times creates a soft, airy texture in the dough, resulting in light, fluffy beignets after frying.
- → How should the oil temperature be maintained during frying?
Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C) and maintain this temperature for even frying. Too hot oil burns the exterior quickly; too low causes oil absorption.
- → Can the decorations be customized in color and style?
Yes, the icing can be tinted with food coloring in various shades and decorated with sprinkles or edible pearls for a festive, personalized touch.
- → Is it possible to prepare the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare and refrigerate the dough after kneading and initial rise, allowing flavors to develop before shaping and frying.
- → What are some suggested beverage pairings?
These beignets pair wonderfully with warm drinks like hot chocolate or mulled wine, enhancing their festive appeal.