If you’ve ever craved the perfect comforting treat, these Cinnamon Swirl Beignets are your answer. They combine the classic New Orleans-style beignet with a cozy cinnamon twist that's perfect for any season. Let's dive into the delightful process of making these fluffy, sugary delights!
Starting with the base, all-purpose flour gives structure to our beignets. We use granulated sugar to add just the right amount of sweetness to the dough and to activate the active dry yeast, which is crucial for the dough's rise and fluffiness. Warm milk helps dissolve the yeast and kicks off the rising process. Eggs provide richness and a tender crumb, while unsalted butter, melted into the mix, adds a buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla extract. The ground cinnamon brings that warm, inviting aroma and flavor we love. Finally, a touch of salt balances all the flavors out. For frying, you'll need a neutral oil to achieve that signature golden brown exterior. And don’t forget the finishing touch: a dusting of powdered sugar mixed with more ground cinnamon for that irresistible sweet finish.
These beignets are delightful with a hot cup of chai tea or a rich, dark coffee. For a more indulgent treat, try serving them warm with a side of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Start by combining your warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it gets nice and foamy. This is a crucial step to ensure your yeast is active and ready to make your dough rise.
Next, whisk in your eggs, the melted butter, and vanilla extract into the foamy yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, remaining sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything comes together to form a dough.
Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and give it a good knead for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Then, place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. This is when the magic happens!
After the dough has risen, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness on your floured surface. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares, which will soon transform into those lovely beignets.
Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or a large pot. Fry the beignets in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Once they’re done, remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Finally, when the beignets are still warm, generously dust them with your powdered sugar and ground cinnamon mixture. Now they’re ready to enjoy!
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