If you are craving a sweetly crisp, pillowy treat that melts in your mouth, then this Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe is your golden ticket. These classic French-inspired delights are fried to perfection and generously dusted with powdered sugar, offering an irresistible balance of light, airy texture and rich buttery flavor. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon indulgence, this recipe captures all the magic of bakery-style beignets right at home, giving you that authentic café experience without ever leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these beignets is delightfully straightforward, relying on a handful of pantry staples where each ingredient plays an essential role in building the flavor, texture, and inviting aroma that define the Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe.
- Warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast for that perfect dough rise.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the dough.
- Active dry yeast: The magical leavening agent that makes beignets light and airy.
- Large eggs, beaten: Help bind ingredients and enrich the dough’s texture.
- Whole milk: Adds creamy moisture that enhances tenderness.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and a subtle buttery aroma.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a gentle hint of warmth and sweetness.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough—provides structure and chew.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures golden, crispy edges with a light center.
- Powdered sugar: The classic finishing touch for that signature dusting that makes every bite blissful.
How to Make Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Wet Ingredients
Begin by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl, letting it sit until foamy—this confirms your yeast is alive and kicking. Then stir in the eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until everything harmonizes beautifully.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Gradually add the flour while mixing, until a soft dough starts to take shape. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This kneading builds the perfect structure needed for those irresistibly airy beignets.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and tuck it into a warm corner. Give it about 1 to 1.5 hours to double in size, which is key for lightness and volume in the final beignets.
Step 4: Cut and Proof the Beignet Squares
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to roughly 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife or pastry cutter. Arrange these cut pieces on a floured baking sheet, then allow them to rest and puff up for 30 to 45 minutes, building anticipation for that perfect fluffiness.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy, deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry your beignets in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil—this is the moment they achieve their signature crisp yet soft texture.
Step 6: Finish with a Generous Dusting
While still warm, liberally dust the beignets with powdered sugar. This sweet blanket is what makes each bite feel like a classic Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe experience straight from a Parisian café.
How to Serve Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe
Garnishes
Though the powdered sugar dusting is traditional and delicious, you can elevate your serving by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can add a playful, indulgent twist that will wow anyone who tries them.
Side Dishes
Serve your beignets alongside a cup of rich café au lait or steaming hot chocolate—these beverages complement the sweetness and balance the richness perfectly. Fresh fruit or a light yogurt can also provide a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch spread, pile the beignets in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper and offer a variety of dipping sauces like blueberry compote or lemon curd. You could even sandwich them with a dollop of mascarpone or whipped cream for an irresistible treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any beignets left (which might be rare!), store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one day to maintain some of their freshness and texture.
Freezing
The dough can be prepared ahead of time and frozen after the first rise. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, then roll, cut, and fry as usual.
Reheating
To revive day-old beignets, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps restore their crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Simply reduce the amount slightly and add it directly to the flour instead of activating it in water first. The rise times may vary a bit, so keep an eye on the dough.
How important is the temperature of the water for yeast activation?
Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, while cold water won’t activate it effectively. Aim for around 110°F to ensure your yeast bubbles up nicely, which is essential for fluffy beignets.
Can I make these beignets gluten-free?
While traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, gluten-free blends could be tried, but results may vary. Gluten develops the dough’s structure important for puffiness, so adjustments might be necessary.
Why do my beignets come out greasy?
Beignets can become greasy if the oil temperature is too low, causing them to absorb oil rather than fry quickly. Always use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F for perfect frying.
What’s the best way to serve beignets to keep them fresh?
Beignets are best served immediately after frying and dusting. However, if you need to wait, keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like the joy of making and sharing the Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe in your own kitchen. Each fluffy, golden treat conjures up the warmth and charm of an authentic bakery experience that’s both comforting and celebratory. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, indulge in the process, and savor every sugary bite with friends and family—it’s a little piece of sweet magic that’s hard to resist!
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Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 24 beignets
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic French-inspired Royal Bakery Box Beignets offer a delightful, airy fried pastry dusted generously with powdered sugar. Made from a soft yeast dough and fried until golden brown, these beignets are perfect for enjoying fresh and warm as a dessert or sweet treat.
Ingredients
Beignet Dough
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (about 2 inches for frying)
For Dusting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough: Add beaten eggs, whole milk, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well until combined. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and leave it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the beignets: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife or pastry cutter. Arrange the cut dough pieces on a floured baking sheet.
- Second rise: Allow the cut dough pieces to rise for another 30–45 minutes until they appear puffy.
- Heat the oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry the beignets: Carefully fry the beignets in batches for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and puff up.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried beignets with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Immediately dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm for best enjoyment.
Notes
- For the freshest taste, enjoy the beignets warm immediately after frying.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the fridge for added convenience.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the powdered sugar for a flavorful twist.
