Get ready to fall completely in love with this Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe! Imagine the buttery layers of croissant dough transforming into golden, pillowy pockets of sweet bliss with just a quick spin in hot oil. Finished with a generous snowfall of powdered sugar (and a dash of cinnamon if you like), every warm bite is pure happiness—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect for dipping in honey, jam, or rich chocolate sauce. Whether you’re treating guests or just need an upgrade for your coffee break, this easy Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe is about to become your new favorite weekend project.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of kitchen staples to make these irresistible treats. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the irresistible texture, flavor, and sweetness that makes this Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe a standout. Let’s make every bite count!
- Refrigerated croissant dough (8-count): The shortcut to layers upon layers of flaky, buttery goodness—no mixing or kneading required.
- All-purpose flour (for dusting): Just a little flour keeps your dough from sticking while rolling and cutting, making the process mess-free and easy.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Heats up quickly and evenly for that iconic light, golden shell on each beignet.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A cloud of sweetness that melts instantly on the hot beignets; don’t be shy with it!
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a hint of warmth and depth—try it if you enjoy a touch of spice with your sweets.
- Chocolate sauce, jam, or honey (for dipping, optional): These take your Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe to a whole new level, so offer a few choices and let everyone pick a favorite.
How to Make Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roll the Dough
Start by lightly flouring a clean, flat surface to keep things from getting sticky. Pop open your croissant dough, unroll it gently, and patch up any little perforations by pressing the edges together. The magic of this Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe is in that luscious croissant texture, so be gentle! Once sealed, roll the dough out to a smooth 1/4-inch thickness—no need to get obsessive, just aim for evenness so each beignet puffs up evenly.
Step 2: Cut Into Beignets
With the dough rolled out, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 2-inch squares (or go wild with fun shapes if you’re feeling creative). This is the step where your beignets start to come to life! Try to keep the pieces around the same size so they cook at the same rate.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep saucepan or heavy skillet and gently heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one for best results—temperature matters when frying! Hot oil makes the dough puff up instantly, giving you that signature beignet texture.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Carefully slip a few pieces of dough at a time into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd). Fry each piece for 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning with tongs or a slotted spoon as soon as you see that irresistible golden color. Watch closely—they cook fast! Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Dust and Serve
While the beignets are still hot, shower them lavishly with powdered sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you’re using it. Serve up this Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe immediately, with your choice of chocolate sauce, jam, or honey for dipping.
How to Serve Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe
Garnishes
For the prettiest presentation, pile your beignets high on a big platter and sift extra powdered sugar over the top. A touch of cinnamon or a drizzle of chocolate sauce adds color and a gourmet twist. For party occasions, you can even sprinkle on finely chopped nuts, orange zest, or edible flowers—why not dress them up?
Side Dishes
Beignets play nicely with fun and simple sides: serve them with fresh berries, tangy crème fraîche, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a café-style dessert. If you’re going for a breakfast treat, offer alongside piping hot coffee, fresh orange juice, or a big pot of tea. With this Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe, there aren’t any rules—just add your favorites!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the beignets like donut holes in a tower, nestle them in small parchment cones for easy grab-and-go snacking, or set up a “dipping bar” with bowls of sauces, whipped cream, and fruit toppings. This Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe is a guaranteed conversation starter, so get playful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover beignets (it’s rare, but it happens!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. They’ll still be tasty, though best enjoyed fresh!
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer. Once solid, transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature, then reheat as needed.
Reheating
Give beignets a quick pick-me-up by warming in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes. This will refresh the crisp exterior and bring back that “just-fried” warmth. A fresh dusting of powdered sugar will make them feel good as new!
FAQs
Can I use homemade croissant dough for this Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re up for a weekend baking adventure, homemade dough will give you an even richer flavor and texture. Just follow the same steps once the dough is ready.
What if I don’t have a thermometer for the oil?
No worries—drop in a small piece of dough. If it sizzles and puffs up quickly, your oil is good to go. If it browns instantly, the oil is too hot; if it sinks and stays pale, it needs more time to heat up.
Can I fill these beignets with something after frying?
Yes! Once fried and slightly cooled, use a piping bag to fill them with jam, Nutella, or pastry cream for an indulgent twist. Just insert the tip and squeeze gently.
Is this Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. All the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly, so everyone at your table can enjoy these treats without worry.
Can I air fry instead of deep frying?
Deep frying produces the most authentic texture, but you can air fry the dough for a lighter version. Brush with a bit of oil, air fry at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, and dust with sugar while warm.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted these golden, sugar-dusted pillows, you’ll understand why the Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe earns a special spot in any treat-lover’s kitchen. There’s just something magical about how simple ingredients combine to create pure joy. Don’t wait for Mardi Gras—whip up a batch and share a little sweetness with someone you love!
Print
Fried Croissant Beignets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 small beignets
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Fried Croissant Beignets for a sweet and crispy treat that’s perfect for dessert or a special snack. These easy-to-make beignets are made from refrigerated croissant dough, fried to golden perfection, and dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy them warm with a dusting of cinnamon or your favorite dipping sauce!
Ingredients
Croissant Beignets:
- 1 can refrigerated croissant dough (8-count)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
For Dusting:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For Dipping (optional):
- Chocolate sauce, jam, or honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and unroll the croissant dough. Press the perforations together to seal and gently roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares or desired shapes.
- Fry the Beignets: In a deep saucepan or skillet, heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few dough pieces at a time and fry for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar and cinnamon if using. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- These are best enjoyed fresh and hot.
- You can also fill them with jam or Nutella after frying for an indulgent twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
