Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe
There’s something unforgettably magical about biting into a freshly fried Royal Bakery Box Beignet, the crisp, lightly golden shell shattering to reveal the pillowy, cloud-like interior, all showered in snowy powdered sugar. This iconic New Orleans-inspired treat is like a bakery dream come true, beloved by anyone who’s ever wandered through the French Quarter but just as easy to fall in love with straight from your own kitchen. Whether served as an indulgent breakfast or a sweet ending to a meal, the Royal Bakery Box Beignet is pure edible happiness that deserves a spot in every home baker’s repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Royal Bakery Box Beignet lies not just in their taste but in their simplicity—each ingredient is picked with purpose, creating those signature tender, airy pockets and a flavor that dances with nostalgia. These humble staples transform into something truly special together, so don’t skip a thing!
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of our beignets, all-purpose flour provides just the right structure for that soft, puffy bite.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the dough and encourage that beautiful golden color during frying.
- Active Dry Yeast: The magic maker—a little yeast gives our beignets lift and that classic pillowy texture.
- Salt: Essential for flavor balance, it keeps the beignets from tasting bland or overly sweet.
- Warm Milk (110°F): The gentle heat of warm milk helps activate the yeast and enriches the dough for a tender crumb.
- Warm Water: Gives the yeast an extra nudge to get active and bubbly—don’t skip the temperature check!
- Large Egg: Adds richness and a touch of color, making for a lush, almost brioche-like pastry.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Old-world beignet charm! It makes the dough soft and full-flavored.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a hint provides cozy depth and that addictive bakery aroma.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Neutral-flavored oil cooks the beignets evenly and crisps them without overpowering the delicate dough.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting): The crowning touch that turns fried dough into a true beignet—be generous, it’s part of the magic!
How to Make Royal Bakery Box Beignet
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes wonderfully foamy on top. This is your green light—the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your Royal Bakery Box Beignet dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, and salt. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so you don’t get any surprise salty or sweet spots in your beignets. It’s a tiny step, but it makes all the difference!
Step 3: Make the Dough
Add the warm milk, activated yeast mixture, egg, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Stir everything together until a soft, slightly sticky dough starts to form. This is the start of your Royal Bakery Box Beignet journey—from humble beginnings to bakery perfection!
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand (or pop it into a stand mixer with a dough hook) for about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal? A smooth, elastic dough that bounces back gently when pressed. Don’t rush—those few minutes of kneading unlock all that beignet magic.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer the dough into a clean bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours. Watch as it transforms, swelling to twice its size—your kitchen will begin to smell like the promise of something wonderful!
Step 6: Shape and Cut
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares—classic beignet shape! This is your chance to get a little playful with the edges, but a simple square creates that signature “royal bakery” look.
Step 7: Fry to Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep pot until it reaches 350°F (a thermometer here is a real friend). Fry the beignets in small batches—no crowding!—for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Flip when they’re puffy and deep golden brown, letting them cook evenly and puff to pillowy heights.
Step 8: Drain and Powder
Lift the golden beignets out with a slotted spoon, letting any excess oil drain off on paper towels. While they’re still warm (and oh-so-inviting), dust them generously with powdered sugar. Watch it turn into a fluffy, sweet snowfall—almost as irresistible as the first bite itself.
How to Serve Royal Bakery Box Beignet
Garnishes
The only thing that can outshine a tray of Royal Bakery Box Beignet is a tray topped with pillowy heaps of powdered sugar. For an extra flourish, try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can give your beignets a gourmet twist, making every bite feel even more decadent.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs with Royal Bakery Box Beignet quite like a classic café au lait or hot chocolate, their warmth and richness perfectly balancing the sweet, tender pastry. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or even crispy bacon offer lovely contrasts and round out the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your inner French Quarter baker by piling beignets high on a vintage cake stand or serving them in parchment-lined baskets. For a playful touch, arrange mini Royal Bakery Box Beignets on skewers with fruit or offer a “dipping bar” with chocolate, caramel, or raspberry sauces. These little details turn a simple sweet into a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have extra Royal Bakery Box Beignet, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. While they’re best the day they’re made, they still hold onto a bit of that magic when enjoyed within 24 hours—just don’t dust with more powdered sugar until serving to keep them from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover beignets (without the powdered sugar) for longer storage. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—ready to be revived at a moment’s notice!
Reheating
To recapture that just-fried glory, warm beignets in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes straight from the freezer or 2 to 3 minutes if thawed. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them rubbery. Once hot, shower with fresh powdered sugar and serve immediately for that classic Royal Bakery Box Beignet experience.
FAQs
How can I make my Royal Bakery Box Beignet extra fluffy?
Letting your dough rise fully is key! Ensure the yeast is foamy and give the dough enough time to double during the first rise. Rolling the dough to the right thickness—about 1/4 inch—also keeps those signature air pockets in every bite.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare your Royal Bakery Box Beignet dough the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature and let it rise a bit more before rolling and frying for the fluffiest results with maximum convenience.
What oil is best for frying beignets?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or canola oil. These ensure golden, evenly cooked beignets without masking their delicate, sweet flavor.
Can I make Royal Bakery Box Beignet without a stand mixer?
Definitely! While a stand mixer makes the kneading a breeze, you can just as easily knead the dough by hand—it’s a wonderfully therapeutic process and gives you fantastic control over the texture.
Why does my powdered sugar disappear after dusting?
If your beignets are piping hot, the steam may melt the powdered sugar. Give them a few seconds to cool, then dust again for that gorgeous, fluffy layer. Or don’t hold back—an extra sprinkle never hurt!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a homemade Royal Bakery Box Beignet, fresh from the fry pot and blanketed in powdered sugar. Once you taste the magic of making these from scratch, you might just find yourself craving the ritual as much as the treat itself. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and let your kitchen fill with warmth, laughter, and the delicate aroma of sweet, puffy beignets—this is a recipe you’ll want to share again and again.
Print
Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 beignets 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Royal Bakery Box Beignets with this easy-to-follow recipe. These New Orleans-inspired fried dough treats are sure to impress with their airy texture and sweet powdered sugar coating.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Add milk, yeast mixture, egg, butter, and vanilla. Knead until a soft dough forms.
- Rise: Let the dough rise covered in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape and Fry: Roll out dough, cut into squares, and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
- Serve: Drain and dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Serve with coffee or hot chocolate for a classic treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rise time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: New Orleans-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
