Baked Beignets – Discover the magic of Baked Beignets, a mouthwatering treat that will transport you to the streets of New Orleans! These fluffy, pillowy pastries are a delightful twist on the traditional fried version, offering a lighter and healthier alternative. With their irresistible aroma and heavenly taste, these Baked Beignets are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a little indulgence. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will leave you craving for more!
Picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning, and the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries fills the air. As the sun peeks through the window, my husband and our little family gather around the kitchen table, eagerly waiting for the tray of Baked Beignets to emerge from the oven. It has become a cherished tradition in our household, a treat that brings us all together.
I still remember the first time I made these Baked Beignets. The dough, lovingly mixed and kneaded, rose to perfection in the warm embrace of our oven. As we bit into the warm, golden beignets, we were instantly transported to the lively streets of New Orleans, savoring the flavors and embracing the joy of sharing a homemade treat. Since then, these beignets have become a staple in our home, a symbol of comfort, love, and togetherness.
Why These Baked Beignets Will Steal Your Heart?
- Light and Fluffy: Unlike their deep-fried counterparts, these Baked Beignets are incredibly light and airy, providing a guilt-free indulgence that won’t weigh you down.
- Easy and Convenient: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these beignets are a breeze to make. Plus, the baking method means less mess and hassle compared to frying.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite of these Baked Beignets is a burst of pure delight. The combination of buttermilk, vanilla, and butter creates a heavenly taste that will have you reaching for seconds.
- Versatile Treat: Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack, these beignets are a versatile treat that can be savored at any time of the day.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whip up a batch of these beignets, and watch as your loved ones gather around, eagerly awaiting their turn to savor the warm, sugary goodness. It’s a delightful way to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) lukewarm water, approximately 110°F
- 50 g (1/4 cup) super fine sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 egg, beaten
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk
- 3 tbsp. (42 g) butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 470 g (3 3/4 cups) flour, more as needed
- 30 ml (1/8 cup) milk
- 1 tbsp. (14 g) butter, melted for brushing
- 30 g (1/4 cup) powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lukewarm water, super fine sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on the surface.
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
Add the beaten egg, buttermilk, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined.
If you have a dough hook attachment, replace the whisk with it. Slowly add in the flour while stirring on medium-low speed until the dough starts to come away from the sides of the bowl. If needed, add more flour in 1 tablespoon increments until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
Knead the dough on medium speed for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Turn off the preheated oven and place the bowl in the oven with the door slightly ajar to allow the dough to rise for 15 minutes. Cover the bowl with a towel, ensuring it doesn’t touch the heating elements.
Remove the bowl from the oven, close the door, and preheat it again to 200°F (93°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle or square, about 1/4 inch thick.
Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
Place the dough squares onto the prepared baking sheets. Turn off the preheated oven and place the baking sheets in the oven with the door slightly ajar to allow the beignets to rise for 30 minutes. Cover the baking sheets with plastic wrap sprayed with baking spray.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven, close the door, and preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the tops of the beignets with milk.
Bake each baking sheet for 10-12 minutes until the beignets turn light golden brown. Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and generously dust with powdered sugar.
These Baked Beignets are best enjoyed warm and fresh. Serve them with a cup of coffee or your favorite hot beverage, and savor the delectable flavors.
Notes:
- For a delightful twist, you can add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth and spice.
- If you don’t have super fine sugar, you can process regular granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it becomes fine.
- Feel free to customize your beignets by adding fillings such as chocolate chips, fruit preserves, or even a dollop of Nutella before folding the dough squares.
- These beignets are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their warm and crispy texture.
Indulge in the irresistible charm of Baked Beignets and embark on a culinary adventure right in your own kitchen. With their light and fluffy texture, heavenly aroma, and delicate sweetness, these delectable pastries are sure to win over your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy breakfast or delighting your loved ones with a special homemade treat, Baked Beignets are guaranteed to bring joy and a touch of New Orleans magic to any occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and immerse yourself in the delight of creating these delightful pastries that will surely steal your heart.
FAQs
Can I fry these beignets instead of baking them?
While this recipe focuses on the baked version for a lighter twist, you can certainly fry the dough squares until golden brown. Keep in mind that the baking method produces equally delicious results with less oil and mess.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen. Shape the dough squares, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the baking instructions.
![](https://8fivefive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Baked-Beignets-360x361.jpg)
Baked Beignets
Ingredients
- 180 ml 3/4 cup lukewarm water, approximately 110°F
- 50 g 1/4 cup super fine sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 egg beaten
- 120 ml 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3 tbsp. 42 g butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 470 g 3 3/4 cups flour, more as needed
- 30 ml 1/8 cup milk
- 1 tbsp. 14 g butter, melted for brushing
- 30 g 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lukewarm water, super fine sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on the surface.
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Add the beaten egg, buttermilk, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- If you have a dough hook attachment, replace the whisk with it. Slowly add in the flour while stirring on medium-low speed until the dough starts to come away from the sides of the bowl. If needed, add more flour in 1 tablespoon increments until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
- Knead the dough on medium speed for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Turn off the preheated oven and place the bowl in the oven with the door slightly ajar to allow the dough to rise for 15 minutes. Cover the bowl with a towel, ensuring it doesn't touch the heating elements.
- Remove the bowl from the oven, close the door, and preheat it again to 200°F (93°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle or square, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
- Place the dough squares onto the prepared baking sheets. Turn off the preheated oven and place the baking sheets in the oven with the door slightly ajar to allow the beignets to rise for 30 minutes. Cover the baking sheets with plastic wrap sprayed with baking spray.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven, close the door, and preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the tops of the beignets with milk.
- Bake each baking sheet for 10-12 minutes until the beignets turn light golden brown. Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and generously dust with powdered sugar.
- These Baked Beignets are best enjoyed warm and fresh. Serve them with a cup of coffee or your favorite hot beverage, and savor the delectable flavors.
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