Glazed Coffee Beignets Recipe

If you have been searching for a show-stopping treat that combines a rich coffee kick with the irresistibly light texture of a classic French pastry, Glazed Coffee Beignets are exactly what you need. These delightful pillows of dough are infused with bold coffee flavor, fried to golden perfection, and finished with a luscious, shiny glaze that makes every bite a heavenly experience. Whether you want to impress friends at brunch or just treat yourself to something special, these Glazed Coffee Beignets capture that perfect harmony of sweet, airy, and deeply flavorful with every mouthful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on these Glazed Coffee Beignets means gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in crafting the perfect dough, enhancing the coffee infusion, or making that dreamy glaze which makes these beignets unforgettable.

• Ground dark coffee: Provides the deep, rich coffee essence that defines these beignets.
• Cold water: Used to brew the coffee for maximum flavor extraction without bitterness.
• Granulated sugar: Balances bitterness and helps activate the yeast for a light texture.
• Active dry yeast: Creates the airy, tender crumb by making the dough rise beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the dough for that perfect fluffy chewiness.
• Warm half and half: Adds richness and moisture, enhancing the softness of the beignets.
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and lend a subtle richness.
• Butter, melted: Infuses flavor and tenderness into every bite.
• Salt: Elevates all flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Vegetable oil: For frying, creating the crisp golden exterior.
• Confectioners’ sugar: The base of the glaze for that sweet finishing touch.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the glaze’s flavor.

How to Make Glazed Coffee Beignets

Step 1: Brew the Coffee Base

Start with brewing a bold coffee using 3/4 cup of ground dark coffee and 3 cups of cold water. This forms the cornerstone flavor for your dough and the glaze, so be sure to brew it strong and set aside half a cup carefully for later use in your glaze.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a large stand mixer bowl, combine the sugar and active dry yeast, then gradually add 1 ½ cups of the warm brewed coffee (make sure it is around 100-110°F). Let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes, allowing it to become foamy, which signals the yeast is alive and ready to bring your beignets to airy life.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

With the mixer running on low, begin by beating in half of your flour along with the half and half, beaten eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour ½ cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a soft but manageable ball. You’ll know the texture is right when it no longer sticks excessively to your bowl but is still tender.

Step 4: Knead and Let Rise

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 2 minutes. Then spray a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray, place your dough inside, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and set it somewhere warm for about an hour. The dough will become puffy, signaling it’s ready for the next step, though it does not need to double in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While your dough is rising, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, reserved ½ cup coffee, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl to create a smooth, glossy glaze. Cover and keep it at room temperature, ready for dipping once your beignets are fried and warm.

Step 6: Shape and Fry the Beignets

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F. Roll out your risen dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into 1 ½ inch squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Fry 4 at a time, cooking each side for approximately 1 minute or until golden and delightfully puffed.

Step 7: Dip and Drain

Once fried, immediately dip the warm beignets into your gorgeous coffee glaze, coating them thoroughly, and then place them on wire racks set over paper towels to drain any excess glaze. This ensures each sweet bite remains light, with just the right amount of sticky, glossy finish.

How to Serve Glazed Coffee Beignets

Garnishes

While the glaze makes these beignets shine on their own, sprinkling a bit of finely ground coffee or a light dusting of cinnamon over the top adds a lovely aromatic touch. For extra flair, a few chocolate shavings or a dusting of powdered sugar never go wrong and can personalize your Glazed Coffee Beignets for any occasion.

Side Dishes

These beignets pair beautifully with a strong cup of espresso, a rich latte, or even a creamy hot chocolate. For a brunch setting, fresh fruit like berries or a citrus salad creates a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness and bringing additional texture to your spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking Glazed Coffee Beignets in a pyramid on a serving platter, drizzling additional glaze over the top for visual appeal. You could also serve them in individual paper cones or small basket-lined trays for a charming café-style presentation that invites guests to grab and enjoy immediately.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve their softness. Avoid refrigerating, as this can dry them out and lessen their delightful fresh-from-the-fryer texture.

Freezing

If you want to make these well in advance, freeze unfrosted beignets after they cool by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a resealable bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Freeze without glaze and add that fresh right before serving.

Reheating

To bring back their warm, fluffy goodness, reheat frozen beignets in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can lead to a chewy texture. Once warm, dip into fresh glaze to recreate that perfect treat.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of ground coffee?

For the best flavor and texture, using ground coffee brewed fresh is recommended. Instant coffee doesn’t provide the same depth of flavor or enough liquid for the dough.

Is it necessary to fry the beignets, or can I bake them?

Frying creates the classic light and crisp exterior that baking can’t fully replicate. For authenticity and texture, frying is the way to go, though baking can be done if you prefer a healthier alternative.

How long do the Glazed Coffee Beignets keep their freshness?

They taste best within the first day of making them. After that, their texture starts to change, so aim to enjoy them fresh for that perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside.

Can I substitute half and half with milk?

Yes, whole milk can be used, but half and half makes the dough richer and more tender, enhancing the overall flavor and softness of the beignets.

Is there a way to make the glaze thicker?

To thicken the glaze, simply add more confectioners’ sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Keep in mind, though, that the glaze should still be thin enough to coat the beignets smoothly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Glazed Coffee Beignets a try because they are such a delicious way to bring a little joy and warmth into any day. The combination of coffee and a sweet glaze turns simple ingredients into something memorable and truly comforting. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become one of your favorite indulgences to whip up and share.

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