Description
Delight in the rich and aromatic flavors of Glazed Coffee Beignets, a crispy yet tender French-style doughnut infused with the bold essence of dark coffee and topped with a luscious coffee glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast treat or an indulgent snack, these beignets combine a unique brewed coffee dough with a sweet, velvety glaze for an unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Beignets
- 3/4 cup ground dark coffee
- 3 cups cold water
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 envelope (0.25-ounce) active dry yeast
- 7 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm half and half (100-110°F)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Glaze
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee (reserved from beignet preparation)
Instructions
- Brew Coffee: Brew 3/4 cup ground dark coffee with 3 cups of cold water using your preferred brewing method such as a drip coffee maker or French press. Once brewed, set aside 1/2 cup of the coffee to use later in the glaze.
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar with 1 envelope active dry yeast. Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of the warm brewed coffee (100-110°F) and let the mixture stand for about 10 minutes or until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Base: Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, on low speed, add in half of the flour, warm half and half, beaten eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Beat until combined.
- Add Remaining Flour and Knead: Gradually beat in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, continuing until the dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. Remove the dough from the bowl and knead by hand on a floured surface for about 2 minutes to form a smooth and soft dough, adding flour as needed.
- Let Dough Rise: Spray a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour. The dough should become puffy but does not have to fully double.
- Prepare Glaze: While the dough rises, prepare the glaze by combining 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the reserved 1/2 cup brewed coffee in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth, then cover with plastic wrap until ready to use.
- Heat Oil and Shape Beignets: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and gently roll it to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 1 1/2-inch squares.
- Fry Beignets: Carefully drop 4 dough squares at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1 minute per side or until they are golden brown and puffed. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove beignets and drain them on wire racks placed over paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Glaze Beignets: While still warm, dip each beignet into the coffee glaze, ensuring it is well coated. Place them back on the wire racks to allow excess glaze to drip off and the coating to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the coffee and half and half are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Dough thickness can be adjusted slightly based on preference but 1/4-inch thickness produces perfectly soft centers.
- Use a deep thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature at 350°F for even frying.
- Beignets are best enjoyed fresh and warm for the ideal texture and flavor.
- You can store leftover beignets in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly before glazing.
- If you prefer less glaze sweetness, reduce confectioners’ sugar by 1/2 cup.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 beignets with glaze
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: coffee beignets, glazed beignets, French doughnuts, coffee dessert, fried pastry, brunch recipes, sweet coffee treats