Cinnamon Sugar Beignets

Beignets are soft, pillowy, sweet square donuts that are freshly fried until golden brown. Powdered sugar is typically snowing over the top of them. But I tried rolling them in cinnamon sugar and then dipped in caramel sauce. These are definitely an indulgence but oh so worth it. They may seem daunting to make but they are so easy. With a cup of coffee, what’s better?!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 1/4 tsp. dry active yeast
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature
• vegetable oil, for deep frying

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

Directions

In a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, add the warm water, yeast and 1/4 cup the granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until it gets foamy and bubbly.

In a medium bowl measure out the 3 3/4 cup flour and salt and set aside.

Once the yeast is bubbly, add the milk, vanilla, remaining sugar and the egg. Add in the flour and start mixing it together. Once the dough starts to come together add in the soft butter and continue mixing until the dough is really smooth and will start to pull away from the sides. Mix for about 4 minutes. This is an enriched dough and sticky, but if it seems too wet add in a 1/4 cup of flour.

Cover and let the dough rise for about 2 hours until doubled in size. You can also store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours.

Add 3 inches of oil to a a large pot with a candy thermometer attached. Place over medium-high heat. Cover a wire cooling rack with a couple layers of paper towel.

Once the dough has risen, flour a work surface and roll the dough out to 1/2 inch thick rectangle. Cut into 2-2 1/2 inch squares using a pizza cutter.

Add the cinnamon and sugar into a medium bowl and mix together, set aside.

Once the oil reaches 350 degrees, or if you place a tiny piece of dough into the hot oil and it begins to sizzle it’s ready. Add 3-4 squares at a time and let them fry for a couple minutes. About 1-2 minutes on each side. Use a tongs or chop stick to gently flip them over. Once they are golden and puffed up remove from the hot oil and place into the cinnamon sugar and toss around until completely coated. Place onto the the prepared pan and continue with the remaining squares.

Serve with caramel sauce if you wish and enjoy!!