Mardi Gras Beignets Chocolate (Printable version)
Soft beignets dusted with powdered sugar, served warm with a rich chocolate dipping sauce perfect for celebration.
# What you need:
→ For the Beignets
01 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
07 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
09 - Vegetable oil, for frying
10 - 1 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
→ For the Chocolate Sauce
11 - 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
14 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
15 - 1 tbsp light corn syrup (optional, for shine)
# How To:
01 - Dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Stir in remaining sugar, salt, egg, and milk. Add half the flour and mix until smooth.
03 - Add melted butter and remaining flour. Mix until sticky dough forms.
04 - Turn dough onto floured surface. Knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
05 - Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
06 - Punch down dough. On floured surface, roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares.
07 - Heat 2 inches vegetable oil in deep pot to 350°F.
08 - Fry beignets in batches, 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffy. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
09 - While warm, dust generously with powdered sugar.
10 - Heat cream in small saucepan until just simmering. Remove from heat; add chocolate, butter, vanilla, and corn syrup. Let sit 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dough comes together surprisingly fast and fries up impossibly light
- That chocolate sauce turns a simple treat into something unforgettable
02 -
- Rolling dough too thin makes beignets tough instead of tender
- Frying temperature that is too low means greasy, heavy results
03 -
- Use a sharp knife to cut squares so edges stay clean and rise evenly
- Dust sugar over a wire rack instead of paper towels for easier cleanup