Orange-Scented Beignets

Light and airy French doughnuts infused with orange and delicate rose water, finished with a fragrant almond-cinnamon sugar coating. These citrusy beignets are a sophisticated twist on the classic New Orleans treat.

6 servings
57 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Middle Eastern rose water
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 cups vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup almond flour
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 piece deep-fat thermometer

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Sift flour. Bring water, orange juice, lemon zest and juice, butter, rose water, salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar to a boil in a heavy medium saucepan. Add all-purpose flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon 3 or 4 times. Remove from heat and stir until all of flour is incorporated and dough forms a ball. Cool 5 minutes.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Preheat oven to 200°F with rack in middle.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Heat 2 inches oil to 360°F in a wide 4-quart pot over medium- high heat.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    Meanwhile, stir together almond flour, cinnamon, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a shallow bowl.

    2 min

  6. 6.

    Working in batches of 6, gently drop tablespoons of dough into oil and fry, turning once, until puffed and golden-brown, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain briefly, then keep warm in a shallow baking pan in oven. Return oil to 360°F between batches.

    20 min

  7. 7.

    Roll warm beignets in almond sugar and serve immediately.

    5 min

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