These Fried Croissant Beignets are a delightful and indulgent twist on traditional beignets. Made from croissant dough, they are fried until golden and crispy, then coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. Optional chocolate filling makes these beignets even more irresistible!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 250 ml lukewarm milk

• 100 ml water

• 7g active dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 450g flour

• 2 eggs

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tablespoon rum (optional)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 50g butter, softened

For the Frying:

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

For the Dusting:

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

Optional Filling:

• Chocolate spread (for filling)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a bowl, combine lukewarm milk, water, yeast, and sugar. Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

   • In the bowl of a stand mixer, add flour, eggs, egg yolk, rum (optional), salt, and the yeast mixture. Use a dough hook to knead on low speed, then increase to medium for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

   • Add softened butter and knead for another 3-4 minutes until incorporated and the dough easily separates from the bowl. Cover and let rise at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for 30 minutes for easier shaping.

2. Shape the Croissants:

   • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 20 cm x 60 cm rectangle. Cut into 16 triangles, each about 8 cm x 25 cm.

   • Roll each triangle from the thick end, forming croissants. Place them on a baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours until they triple in size.

3. Fry the Beignets:

   • Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat until it reaches 170-180°C (340-355°F). Lightly dust a spatula with flour and carefully add the croissant beignets to the pan, making sure they have enough space to move.

   • Cover the pan and fry for 3 minutes. Remove the lid, turn the beignets, and fry for another 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack.

4. Dust and Serve:

   • In a deep plate, combine sugar, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Coat the fried beignets in the mixture.

   • For an extra treat, fill each beignet with chocolate spread by making a small incision in the bottom of each one and using a pastry bag.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: Approx. 350 kcal (varies based on size and fillings)

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 22g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 45mg

• Sodium: 160mg

• Potassium: 150mg

• Sugar: 20g

• Fiber: 1g

The Dough: Buttery and Flaky with a Soft Interior

The dough for these beignets is based on croissant dough, which gives it its rich, buttery texture. The process of preparing the dough involves activating the yeast with lukewarm milk, water, and sugar. This step ensures that the dough rises properly, creating a light and airy texture when fried.

Once the yeast mixture is ready, it is combined with flour, eggs, egg yolk, rum (optional), and salt. The dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic, and then softened butter is incorporated, which is key to achieving the light, flaky layers that make croissants so irresistible.

The dough is then left to rise and refrigerated for easier shaping. After chilling, it is rolled out into a rectangle and cut into triangles, forming the signature shape of croissants before they are rolled up into the traditional crescent shape. Once the croissants are shaped and left to rise, they are ready for frying, turning them into perfect beignets.

Shaping the Croissants: Classic Croissant Form

To make the croissants, the dough is rolled out into a rectangle and cut into 16 triangles, each about 8 cm x 25 cm. These triangles are then rolled from the thick end, creating the traditional croissant shape. After shaping, the beignets are left to rise for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, allowing them to triple in size. This step is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture that croissants are known for.

Once they have risen, the croissants are ready to be fried and transformed into beignets.

Frying the Beignets: Golden and Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside

Frying the beignets gives them a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, airy interior. The oil should be heated to a temperature between 170-180°C (340-355°F), which ensures the beignets cook evenly and become crispy without absorbing too much oil.

To fry, carefully add the croissant beignets to the pan, making sure they have enough space to float around. Cover the pan while frying for the first 3 minutes to allow the beignets to cook through. After flipping them, uncover the pan and fry for another 3 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Once fried, the beignets are placed on a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain excess oil and ensure they remain crispy.

Coating with Cinnamon-Sugar: Sweet and Spicy Finish

Once the beignets are fried, they are coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step adds a delightful sweetness and a bit of spice to the crispy pastries, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The combination of sugar and cinnamon enhances the natural flavor of the dough, making the beignets even more indulgent.

Optional Chocolate Filling: A Decadent Surprise

For an extra indulgent touch, you can fill each beignet with chocolate spread. This is done by making a small incision in the bottom of each beignet and using a pastry bag to fill it with the chocolate spread. The chocolate filling adds a rich, gooey center to the crispy pastry, making each bite even more irresistible.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect for Any Occasion

Fried Croissant Beignets are versatile and can be served as a dessert, snack, or even as part of a brunch spread. They’re perfect for impressing guests at a gathering or treating yourself and your family to something special.

For an elegant touch, serve them on a platter with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also pair them with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or a warm cup of tea for a comforting treat.

Nutritional Information: A Decadent Treat

Each serving of Fried Croissant Beignets contains approximately 350 calories, making them a rich and indulgent treat. They are high in fat (22g per serving), including 10g of saturated fat, due to the butter and frying process. The beignets also contain 20g of sugar, contributing to their sweetness.

Despite their richness, they provide 5g of protein, thanks to the eggs and flour, and 1g of fiber, which helps balance out the carbohydrates. With 7g of sugar, they offer a sweet, satisfying bite without being overwhelmingly sweet.

Conclusion: A Decadent and Irresistible Dessert

Fried Croissant Beignets are a delightful fusion of two classic pastries: croissants and beignets. The result is a rich, buttery treat with a crispy exterior, soft interior, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar finish. With the optional chocolate filling, these beignets become an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served for a special event or as an everyday treat, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress everyone who tries them.

From their flaky, buttery dough to the gooey chocolate center, every bite of these beignets is a delicious combination of textures and flavors. Treat yourself to this luxurious dessert, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite!