Indulge in the irresistible decadence of our Chocolate Beignets – a delightful fusion of fluffy dough and rich chocolate goodness.
A while back a friend of mine served Chocolate Beignets at a get-together we had. This was the first time I had tried the chocolate version and they were amazing! Such light airy chocolate dough that’s crispy and fried. I couldn’t get enough of them.
So, of course, I had to try making them at home. I tried reworking a bunch of my own dough recipes and found that I didn’t like any of them when making them into beignets. Turns out, I should have asked my friend for her recipe from the start!
Doh! She was happy to share and from there on I had what I was looking for. These beignets are like fluffy, fried pillows of joy, filled with rich cocoa flavor, and dusted with a heavenly mix of cocoa and powdered sugar. Imagine biting into a warm, light-as-air pastry, with a burst of chocolate flavor – pure bliss!
Making Chocolate Beignets at home is a joyful and rewarding experience. Whether it’s your first attempt or you’re a seasoned pro, these sweet treats are sure to bring smiles and a touch of New Orleans flair to your table. So, grab your dough hook attachment, heat your oil, and get ready to enjoy a batch of warm, chocolatey goodness. Let’s make some beignet magic!
Common Questions About Chocolate Beignets
Can I Use Regular Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour gives these beignets a wonderfully light texture. If you need to use what you have on hand, I totally get it. If at all possible, though, go with the bread flour. You won’t regret it.
Do I Need a Stand Mixer for This Recipe?
A stand mixer makes the process easier, but you can also mix the dough by hand – just be ready for a little workout! Actually, that could be a great way to get the kids involved. They love kneading dough, right?
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! The dough can rest in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours before frying. This can be a great option if you’re making these for a special occasion. Always good to save time on the big day!
Storage
This is actually a type of traditional donut from New Orleans. Turns out, it was invented back in Rome and came to the U.S. through settlers from France. Crazy, huh?
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container; best eaten within a day.
Freezer
Freeze before frying. Thaw and let rise to room temperature before frying.
Tips
Fried dough like this is one of the tastiest things in the world. Ok, maybe that’s just me, but it’s certainly delicious, haha!
- Perfect Dough: Let the dough rise until it’s doubled in size for the best results.
- Hot Oil: Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature (360 degrees) for frying.
- Even Cooking: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Sugar Coating: Toss the beignets in the cocoa-powdered sugar mix while they’re warm.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve fresh and warm for the best taste.
Ingredients
I love the natural flavor of rising bread. These New Orleans-style beignets have several layers of flavor that you’re going to love!
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Granulated sugar
- Evaporated milk
- Large Eggs
- Salt
- Vegetable shortening
- Cocoa powder
- Bread flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Confectioner’s (powdered) sugar
How to Make Chocolate Beignets
When all is said and done, you’ll have golden brown, chocolatey goodness right at your fingertips. You won’t have to wait long. They fry up quickly!
- Stir together ½ cup water, sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Allow the yeast to bloom for 5 minutes.
- Add the evaporated milk, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture and beat just until combined.
- In a large measuring cup, stir the vegetable shortening into the remaining warm water. Mix into yeast mixture. If the water is not warm enough to melt the shortening, heat it in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Add the cocoa powder and 4 cups of the bread flour to the mixing bowl and blend until smooth. Slowly add the remaining bread flour.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, turning the dough to oil it on all sides. Cover it with plastic wrap.
- The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or allowed to rise in a warm, draft-free location until it doubles in size.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a rectangle. Roll the dough to ¼ inch thickness.
- With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into about 40 rectangular pieces.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a fryer or Dutch oven until 360 degrees.
- Fry the beignets in small batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Sift together the cocoa powder and confectioner’s sugar for the sugar coating.
- Before serving, toss the fried beignets in the chocolate sugar.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Chocolate Beignets
With just a few pantry staples you’re going to make some of the best pastries ever. French beignets are seriously tasty.
- Stand mixer or large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fryer or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Sifter or sieve
What to Serve With Chocolate Beignets
Personally, I like to eat these all on their own. Don’t forget to save the recipe card! You’re going to want it for future use!
- A steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate
- Fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast
- Chocolate sauce or ganache for extra indulgence
Why You Should Make Chocolate Beignets
You could even try adding a chocolate filling to the middle of these if you’re feeling adventurous! Or whip up a tasty topping with some heavy cream. Yum!
- Irresistibly Chocolatey: A dream come true for chocolate lovers.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Great for celebrations like Mardi Gras or a cozy brunch.
- Fun to Make: A delightful and engaging baking project.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sure to wow your family and friends.
Variations and Add-Ins for Chocolate Beignets
With all new dishes, I always recommend sticking with the original recipe at first. After that, you can go crazy and try out new things!
- Nutty Flair: Add chocolate hazelnut filling for a twist.
- Extra Indulgence: Stuff with dark chocolate pieces before frying.
- Fruity Touch: Serve with a raspberry or strawberry dipping sauce.
- Café du Monde Style: Make them traditional with just a dusting of confectioner’s sugar.
If you love this easy fried dough recipe, you’re going to love these other treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Fried Dough Recipes
Air Fryer Doughnut Holes with Chocolate Sauce
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Chocolate Beignets
Ingredients
Beignets Dough
- 1 pkt active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water 105° to 115°, divided
- 8 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 7 cups bread flour divided
Vegetable oil for frying
Chocolate Confectioner’s Sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Stir together ½ cup water, sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Allow the yeast to bloom for 5 minutes.
- Add the evaporated milk, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture and beat just until combined.
- In a large measuring cup, stir the vegetable shortening into the remaining warm water. Mix into yeast mixture. If the water is not warm enough to melt the shortening, heat it in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Add the cocoa powder and 4 cups of the bread flour to the mixing bowl and blend until smooth. Slowly add the remaining bread flour.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, turning the dough to oil it on all sides. Cover it with plastic wrap.
- The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or allowed to rise in a warm, draft-free location until it doubles in size.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a rectangle. Roll the dough to ¼ inch thickness.
- With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into about 40 rectangular pieces.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a fryer or Dutch oven until 360 degrees.
- Fry the beignets in small batches for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Sift together the cocoa powder and confectioner’s sugar for the sugar coating.
- Before serving, toss the fried beignets in the chocolate sugar.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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