If there is one dessert that truly captures the joyous spirit of French pastry traditions, it’s the glorious beignet. This Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe brings you that crispy, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth magic that has made these lovely fried dough squares a beloved treat. Imagine biting into warm, golden pillows dusted generously with powdered sugar, their light texture giving way to a subtle sweetness and buttery richness—a simple combination of ingredients transformed by love and technique into something irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress friends at brunch or enjoy a cozy afternoon indulgence, this recipe offers a clear, delicious path to authentic beignet bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe starts with a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Each one is essential to achieving that signature soft yet airy interior and crisp exterior.
- Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F): Vital for activating the yeast and keeping the dough tender and moist.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The powerhouse that gives your beignets their delightful rise and fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
- Large egg (1): Helps enrich the dough and contributes to its structure and color.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Brings flavor and a tender crumb to every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups, plus more for rolling): The foundation of your dough that provides sturdiness and chew.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, it ensures a light, even crispiness without imparting strong flavors.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting—what’s a beignet without a generous snowy coating of sweetness?
How to Make Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by combining your warm milk with active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This shows that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, giving your beignets their essential rise and light texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Once the yeast is foamy, stir in sugar, the large egg, softened butter, and salt. Each of these ingredients plays a role in flavor and dough consistency—sugar sweetens, eggs enrich, butter tenderizes, and salt balances. Gradually add your flour, mixing gently until a soft, sticky dough begins to form.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial as kneading develops gluten, which gives your beignets that chewy, airy bite. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic—soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough ball in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Leave it in a warm spot to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This patience pays off by creating those beautiful pockets of air inside each beignet.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into roughly 2-inch squares or rectangles. This size ensures even frying and that perfect balance between fluffy interior and crisp edges.
Step 6: Fry Your Beignets
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry your cut dough pieces in batches, about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they puff up and turn golden brown. Keep a close eye here—perfect frying means crispy yet not greasy beignets that melt in your mouth.
Step 7: Dust and Serve
Remove beignets using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. While still warm, generously dust with powdered sugar; this final touch is signature to the Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe, giving the beignets their irresistible, sweet snow-kissed finish.
How to Serve Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe
Garnishes
While traditional powdered sugar is the star garnish, you can elevate your beignets with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or even a light dusting of cocoa powder. These touches add subtle nuance and visual appeal, making your beignets feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Beignets shine alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a small dish of rich chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. These accompaniments bring contrasting textures and flavors, perfect for turning a simple treat into a full-on celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your beignets in a charming basket lined with a bright napkin or on a pretty plate with a dusting of powdered sugar scattered artistically can make all the difference. You might also stack them as a little tower or pair each with a tiny ramekin of jam for a delightful breakfast or dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a day as freshness is key to that perfect texture. However, beignets tend to lose their crispness after a few hours, so try to savor them as soon as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked beignets by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months; this way, you’re always ready to enjoy a fresh batch whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or leftover beignets, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their crisp exterior without drying the inside. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, allow it to rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature and roll out when ready to fry for the freshest beignets possible the next day.
What if I don’t have a deep fryer?
No problem! A heavy pot or Dutch oven with enough oil to submerge the dough pieces works perfectly well. Just make sure to monitor oil temperature carefully for best results.
Is there a gluten-free version of the Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe?
While traditional beignets rely on gluten development, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends and xanthan gum. Keep in mind the texture may vary, but it’s worth testing for special dietary needs.
Can I add flavorings to the dough?
Absolutely! A dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg can lend a lovely aroma and depth to your beignets without overwhelming their classic flavor.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer for best accuracy. The ideal frying temperature is about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough in the oil; it should sizzle immediately and rise to the surface quickly without browning too fast.
Final Thoughts
Making the Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe is a delightful journey into classic French pastry that rewards you with warm, tender, and perfectly sweet treats every time. This recipe’s approachable ingredients and step-by-step guidance make creating bakery-worthy beignets truly possible in your own kitchen. I can’t recommend enough giving these a try—there’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a freshly fried beignet dusted in powdered sugar, sharing that moment with family or friends. So grab your apron, and let the fun and deliciousness begin!
Print
Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: About 18 beignets 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Royal Bakery Box Beignets are a classic French dessert featuring light, fluffy fried dough squares dusted generously with powdered sugar. This recipe guides you through creating the perfect golden, puffed beignets with a soft interior, ideal for serving fresh with jam, honey, or chocolate sauce.
Ingredients
Beignet Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (enough for 2–3 inches deep frying)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dough ingredients: Stir in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, softened butter, and salt into the yeast mixture until well combined.
- Add flour and form dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid adding too much flour; the dough should remain slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the beignets: After rising, punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares or rectangles.
- Heat oil for frying: In a heavy pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is deep enough (2–3 inches) for frying.
- Fry the beignets: Fry the dough pieces in batches, cooking each side for 1–2 minutes until they puff up and turn golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried beignets with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
- For added flavor, incorporate a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg into the dough before kneading.
- Beignets are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in a preheated oven to regain crispiness.
- Serve alongside jam, honey, or chocolate sauce for an indulgent touch.
- Maintain the oil temperature carefully; too hot will burn the beignets, too cool will make them greasy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
