These hazelnut cream beignets are the ultimate indulgence. With a soft and fluffy dough, these deep-fried treats are filled with a rich and creamy chocolate hazelnut filling, making them irresistible. The combination of a light beignet and a luscious, silky filling makes these pastries perfect for a special occasion or when you simply want to treat yourself. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together the airy texture of beignets and the irresistible flavor of chocolate and hazelnut, creating a pastry that’s both comforting and indulgent. The dough is easy to work with, and after a little kneading and resting, it fries to a light and golden perfection. The rich hazelnut cream filling is smooth and flavorful, making these beignets a decadent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Whether you’re a fan of classic pastries or just love the combination of chocolate and hazelnut, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Perfect Occasion
Hazelnut cream beignets are perfect for any special occasion, such as a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or even a dessert for a party. They’re also an excellent treat to make for friends and family when you want to impress them with something homemade and delicious. These beignets are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and they’re a great option for when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent yet easy to make.
Decoration Tips
To give these beignets a beautiful finish, you can dust them generously with powdered sugar right after frying, while they’re still warm. For a more decadent touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the tops of the beignets or dip one side into the chocolate for a more indulgent look. If you want to add some texture, sprinkle finely chopped hazelnuts over the chocolate-dipped side or even on top of the powdered sugar. These little touches will not only enhance the appearance of your beignets but also add extra flavor and crunch.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 100g milk
- 12g fresh yeast
- 5g salt
- 1 large egg
- 25g sugar
- 50g butter, softened
For the Hazelnut Cream Filling:
- 250g whole milk
- 40g egg yolks (about 2 yolks)
- 15g cornstarch
- 100g chocolate (dark or milk, based on preference)
- 150g hazelnut spread
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, warm milk, yeast, salt, egg, and sugar. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough begins to come away from the sides of the bowl. Add the softened butter and knead for another 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. - First Rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours. - Shape the Beignets:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces, shaping each piece into a ball. Place the dough balls on a lightly floured surface, cover with a towel, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes. - Fry the Beignets:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 170-180°C (340-350°F). Gently drop the dough balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each beignet for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. - Prepare the Hazelnut Cream Filling:
In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, cornstarch, and vanilla over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and comes to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a thick custard-like consistency, remove it from the heat. Add the chocolate and hazelnut spread, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Cover the cream with cling film, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and allow it to cool completely. - Fill the Beignets:
Once the beignets have cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle to fill each beignet with the hazelnut cream. Insert the nozzle into the side of each beignet and squeeze gently until filled. - Serve and Enjoy:
Dust the beignets generously with powdered sugar, or dip them in melted chocolate for a more indulgent finish. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy!
These hazelnut cream beignets are a decadent, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft, airy dough and rich chocolate-hazelnut filling, they’re sure to become a favorite!