Save Festive, light, and fluffy beignets shaped and decorated like Christmas ornaments—perfect for holiday celebrations and treats.
I first served these beignets at a family Christmas gathering and they were a huge hit, bringing smiles and holiday cheer to everyone.
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 always bring my family together around the kitchen during the holidays, making every moment special.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Rolling pin, 2-inch round cutter, Deep fryer or heavy pot, Slotted spoon, Parchment paper, Cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, and dairy (milk, butter). Check decorations and food coloring for allergen traces. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen safety.
Nutritional Information
Calories 175, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 25 g, Protein 3 g per beignet
Save Serve fresh for the best taste and enjoy the festive spirit with every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a light and fluffy texture?
Allow the yeast dough to properly rise twice—first after mixing and again after shaping—to develop airiness and softness.
- → What is the best oil temperature for frying?
Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a golden crust while keeping the interior tender and not greasy.
- → How can I prevent the decorations from melting?
Let the fried beignets cool completely before applying icing and sprinkles to maintain decoration integrity.
- → Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes, incorporating orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon into the dough adds a warm, festive aroma and taste.
- → What tools are essential for shaping and frying?
A 2-inch round cutter shapes uniform pieces while a deep fryer or heavy pot ensures consistent frying temperatures.