Save to Pins Festive, light, and fluffy beignets shaped and decorated like Christmas ornaments—perfect for holiday celebrations and treats.
I first served these beignets at our family holiday party and everyone couldn’t get enough of their playful ornament shapes and sweet icing.
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C) 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Frying: 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Decoration: 2 cups powdered sugar 3–4 tablespoons milk Food coloring (red, green, blue, gold, silver, etc.) Assorted festive sprinkles and edible pearls
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Whisk in sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Step 4:
- Roll dough out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a 2-inch cutter. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- Step 5:
- Place rounds on parchment-lined trays. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry beignets in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and cool.
- Step 7:
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth, spreadable icing. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Step 8:
- Dip or spread icing over cooled beignets. Decorate with sprinkles and edible pearls to resemble Christmas ornaments. Let set before serving.
Save to Pins Making these beignets has become a cherished family tradition during the holidays, bringing everyone around the kitchen table.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl Rolling pin 2-inch round cutter Deep fryer or heavy pot Slotted spoon Parchment paper Cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, and dairy (milk, butter) Check decorations and food coloring for allergen traces Always verify ingredient labels for allergen safety
Nutritional Information
Calories: 175 Total Fat: 7 g Carbohydrates: 25 g Protein: 3 g
Save to Pins These Christmas ornament beignets are sure to brighten your holiday table and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes the beignets light and fluffy?
The combination of yeast fermentation and careful kneading creates a soft, airy dough that results in light, fluffy beignets after frying.
- → How should the dough be handled for best results?
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size to achieve the desired texture.
- → What temperature is ideal for frying the beignets?
Maintain frying oil at 350°F (175°C) to ensure a golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and fully cooked.
- → How is the decoration prepared?
Mix powdered sugar with milk for a smooth icing, then tint with food coloring. Use this to coat the cooled beignets before adding sprinkles and edible pearls.
- → Can the flavor be enhanced with additional ingredients?
Yes, adding orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough brings a subtle festive warmth and complements the sweet icing.
- → What tools are recommended for shaping the beignets?
A 2-inch round cutter helps create uniform rounds, while a rolling pin ensures consistent dough thickness for even frying.