Cinnamon and Sugar Beignets

diner524's Note:

I found this recipe in "Out to Brunch - At Mildred Pierce Restaurant" Beignets are a french doughnut without the holes. These are best served while still warm.

• Total Time: 5 hrs 25 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 5 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 4-6

Yield: 12.0 beignets

Cinnamon Sugar

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Beignet Dough

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, soft
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 eggs, large
• 1 egg yolk, from large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• vegetable oil, for deep-frying

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and 1 teaspoons of the sugar. Set in a warm place for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, remaining white sugar and the cinnamon. Add the eggs and yolk one at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon after each addition. Beat in the yeast mixture, salt and flour until smooth.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until the dough has doubled in size, about 2 hours. Punch down the dough in the bowl, cover again and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
4. Heat the oil to 325 F (160 C). Meanwhile, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press to a 1" thickness. Using a 2" cookie cutter dipped into flour, stamp out the beignets. Press scraps together and pat into a 1" thickness. Cut out the remaining beignets.
5. Fry beignets, 4 at a time, turning occasionally until they're evenly browned (about 5 mins). With the slotted spoon, carefully scoop them out and place on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Roll the beignets in the Cinnamon Sugar while they're still warm.
6. Note: Also good rolling them in powdered/confectioners sugar.

Reviews

[Sydney Mike]

OUTSTANDING, MOST DEFINITELY OUTSTANDING! I first had some of these ages ago when I went to New Orleans (Mardi Gras, no less) & thoroughly enjoyed them then! With this recipe, I can experience all that enjoyment again! Never thought I'd be making these in my own kitchen! What a treat! Thanks, much for sharing the recipe! [Made & reviewed in Gimme 5 tag]

[seesko]

Made these for dessert tonight. We topped them with icecream. OMG! It was to good. My husband says we need to have them again very soon. Thanks for an great treat.

[TheGrumpyChef]

This was my first attempt at anything like this, and I was very worried that they wouldn't turn out. But the instructions were very clear, I followed them exactly, and the recipe turned out to be quite tasty! The kiddos can't wait to try these special treats again. Thanks for posting!