Fluffy New Orleans Chocolate Beignets Recipe for Sweet Treats

Soft, pillowy squares of fried dough dusted with New Orleans chocolate beignets recipe are a sweet slice of Louisiana magic.

These decadent treats transport you straight to the vibrant streets of the French Quarter.

Golden-brown and crispy on the outside, they melt with rich chocolate goodness inside.

The aroma of freshly fried pastry and cocoa will fill your kitchen with warmth.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of traditional beignet craftsmanship and indulgent chocolate flavor.

Dive into this delectable dessert that captures the heart of New Orleans culinary tradition.

Get ready to savor a taste of pure Southern delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 9

Chocolate Beignet Ingredients

• Dark Baking Chocolate: Rich, intense chocolate base that creates a luxurious molten center with deep flavor complexity.
• Heavy Cream: Adds silky smoothness and helps create a velvety chocolate ganache that melts perfectly.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps bind the filling with a subtle floral undertone.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances chocolate's depth and adds aromatic warmth to the filling.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate's rich characteristics.

• Active Dry Yeast: Magical ingredient that helps dough rise and creates light, airy texture.
• Warm Water: Activates yeast and ensures proper fermentation for soft, pillowy beignets.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to rich, tender texture.
• Unsweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and helps create a tender, smooth dough.
• Flour: Provides structure and creates the classic beignet texture.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten network.
• Unsalted Butter: Introduces richness and helps create a tender, flaky dough.

• Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil: Neutral oils perfect for achieving golden, crispy exterior without overwhelming flavor.

Tools for New Orleans Beignet Cooking

• Large saucepan: Perfect for heating cream smoothly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining dough ingredients.
• Deep fryer or large pot: Crucial for achieving golden, crispy beignets.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring chocolate mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient amounts.
• Rolling pin: Needed to roll dough to perfect thickness.
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter: Used for cutting dough into clean squares.
• Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil from fried beignets.
• Whisk: Useful for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Candy thermometer: Ensures oil reaches correct frying temperature.

Instructions to Fry Chocolate Beignets

• Chocolate Dream Preparation

Gently warm cream until tiny bubbles appear. Remove from heat and mix in rich chocolate pieces until silky smooth. Stir in golden honey, vanilla essence, and a whisper of salt. Let the magical mixture rest and thicken.

• Dough Magic

Wake up the yeast with warm water and a touch of sweetness. Watch it bloom into a frothy cloud. Blend the activated yeast with a soft egg, creamy condensed milk, and melted butter. Slowly fold in flour and a hint of salt, kneading until the dough feels like a soft pillow.

• Rising Moment

Tuck the dough under a damp cloth in a cozy spot. Allow it to expand and relax for about an hour until it doubles in size.

• Filling Adventure

Roll out the puffy dough on a flour-dusted surface. Cut into playful squares. Nestle a dollop of chocolate goodness in the center of each piece. Gently fold and seal the edges, creating little chocolate pockets.

• Crispy Transformation

Heat oil to a sizzling temperature. Carefully lower the beignets into the golden bath, flipping once to achieve a perfect sun-kissed color. Rescue them when they’re beautifully puffed and golden.

• Sweet Finale

Shower the warm beignets with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar. Serve immediately and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Tips for Dough & Chocolate Center

• Chocolate Charm Tricks: Jazz up your New Orleans Chocolate Beignets with these delightful tips and twists!
• Filling Freedom: Swap chocolate ganache with Nutella, caramel, or raspberry jam for exciting flavor adventures that dance on your taste buds.
• Temperature Perfection: Use a candy thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature, ensuring golden-crispy beignets without greasy edges or raw centers.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough and chocolate filling a day ahead, storing separately in refrigerator to save time during actual cooking process.
• Texture Transformation: For extra fluffy results, let dough rise in a warm, humid spot like inside an unheated oven with a pan of hot water nearby, guaranteeing maximum softness.
• Garnish Greatness: Experiment with toppings beyond powdered sugar – try cinnamon, cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for elegant presentation.

Serving Ideas for Chocolate Beignets

• Sweet Chocolate Haven: Serve these beignets fresh and warm, straight from the fryer, with a generous dusting of powdered sugar that creates a delightful sweet snow effect.
• Delightful Companion Drinks: Pair these chocolate-filled treats with rich espresso, smooth café au lait, or creamy hot chocolate to enhance the flavor experience and create a New Orleans-style indulgence.
• Dessert Presentation Flair: Arrange the beignets on a beautiful rustic wooden board or vintage platter, sprinkled with extra powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh mint leaves or a few chocolate shavings for an elegant touch that elevates the visual appeal.
• Sharing Celebration Style: Serve these beignets as a communal dessert during gatherings, letting friends and family break apart the warm, chocolate-filled pockets and enjoy the interactive, social dining experience that brings people together.

Storing Beignets for Later Enjoyment

• Smart Storage Tactics
• Fresh Batch Freshness: Consume chocolate beignets within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual beignets in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These delightful treats can be frozen for up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Filling Preparation Strategy: Create chocolate filling up to 3 days ahead. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using to ensure smooth spreading.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough the night before and let it slowly rise in the refrigerator. Remove 1 hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, making the morning preparation quick and effortless.

Heavenly New Orleans Chocolate Beignets Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Crispy chocolate beignets honor Louisiana’s sweet culinary heritage with powdered sugar and rich chocolate filling. Warm pastries invite passionate cooks to explore New Orleans’ delightful dessert tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) dark baking chocolate, at least 50% cocoa
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) honey
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 ½ cups (440 g) flour (T45 or T55 recommended for best results)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tsps (10 g) active dry yeast
• 2 tbsps (25 g) sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• Oil (vegetable or canola) for frying

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Instructions

1. Ganache Preparation: Gently heat cream to a delicate simmer, then remove from heat. Fold in finely chopped chocolate, stirring until achieving a glossy, uniform consistency. Incorporate honey, vanilla, and a touch of salt. Set aside to cool and thicken.
2. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast with sugar in tepid water, allowing it to bloom into a frothy mixture. Combine activated yeast with beaten egg, condensed milk, and melted butter in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Dough Development: Blend flour and salt into the liquid ingredients, kneading methodically until the dough transforms into a smooth, elastic texture. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest in a warm location until volume doubles.
4. Shaping and Filling: Roll out the risen dough to a 1/4-inch thickness on a flour-dusted surface. Cut into precise squares, placing a generous ganache dollop in the center of each. Carefully fold and seal edges, creating plump dough parcels.
5. Frying and Finishing: Heat oil to 360°F. Fry the filled pastries in small batches until achieving a golden, dramatically puffed exterior. Transfer to absorbent paper to drain excess oil. Generously dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Chocolate Ganache Perfection: Warm cream gently to a simmer, ensuring it doesn’t boil, for a silky smooth base.
• Yeast Activation Technique: Use lukewarm water between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing its delicate properties.
• Dough Rising Secret: Choose a draft-free, warm spot around 85°F for optimal dough expansion and soft texture.
• Frying Temperature Precision: Maintain consistent 360°F oil temperature to achieve golden, crispy exterior without absorbing excess grease.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg