Beignets Sucrés au Glaçage à la Cannelle Recipe

Introduction

Beignets are a delicious French pastry that are typically deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. In this recipe, we take the classic beignet and add a twist with a delectable cinnamon glaze. The combination of the soft, fluffy dough and the sweet, spicy glaze is simply irresistible.

Ingredients

For the beignets:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
¾ cup warm milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oil, for frying

For the cinnamon glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

Step 3: Let the dough rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the beignets

Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares or rectangles, about 2 inches in size.

Step 5: Fry the beignets

In a deep saucepan or a deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few beignets into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the beignets from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make the cinnamon glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk, if needed.

Step 7: Glaze the beignets

Dip each fried beignet into the cinnamon glaze, making sure to coat all sides. Place the glazed beignets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow any excess glaze to drip off.

Variations

While the classic beignets with cinnamon glaze are delicious on their own, you can also get creative and try out different variations:

1. Chocolate Glaze:

Replace the cinnamon glaze with a rich and decadent chocolate glaze. Melt ½ cup of chocolate chips and mix it with 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Dip the fried beignets into the chocolate glaze and let them set before serving.

2. Fruit-Filled Beignets:

Add a burst of fruity flavor by filling the beignets with your favorite fruit preserves or pie fillings. After cutting the dough into squares, place a spoonful of fruit filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough over and seal the edges before frying.

Tips

Follow these tips to ensure your beignets turn out perfect every time:

Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the beignets. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s not hot enough, the beignets will absorb too much oil.
For extra fluffy beignets, allow the dough to rise for the full recommended time. This will give the yeast enough time to work its magic and create light and airy pastries.
When glazing the beignets, make sure they are still warm. This will help the glaze adhere better to the surface of the pastry.
Feel free to experiment with different spices in the glaze. Nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add an interesting twist to the flavor profile.

Conclusion

Indulge in a taste of France with these delightful beignets sucrés au glaçage à la cannelle. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a midday treat, or as a sweet ending to a meal, these fluffy pastries will satisfy your cravings. With their warm, cinnamon-spiced glaze and soft, pillowy texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy these mouthwatering beignets!

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping and frying the beignets.

Q: Can I freeze the beignets?

A: Yes, you can freeze the beignets after frying and glazing them. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to refresh them.

Q: Can I use a different type of flour?

A: While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as bread flour or cake flour, for slightly different textures. Just keep in mind that the dough may require different amounts of liquid and may yield slightly different results.

Q: Can I bake the beignets instead of frying them?

A: While traditional beignets are deep-fried, you can try baking them for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the shaped beignets on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.