Name: Chocolate Beignets with Rich Chocolate Filling and Cocoa Dusting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups warm water, between 110 and 115 degrees (F) (340 grams); 2/3 cup granulated sugar (131 grams); 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 7 cups bread flour (845 grams); 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (23 grams); 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup evaporated milk (227 grams); 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into tiny pieces (71 grams); 5 cups peanut oil, for deep frying (992 grams); 1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons (25g) confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder, optional; 1 cup (227g) heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (170 grams); 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder, unsweetened or Dutch-process

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 12 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love a touch of decadence in your treats, then you are in for a heavenly experience with this Chocolate Beignets with Rich Chocolate Filling and Cocoa Dusting Recipe. Imagine biting into a crisp yet soft puff of chocolate dough filled with a luscious, creamy chocolate center and dusted with a delicate layer of cocoa-infused sugar. This French-inspired delicacy elevates the classic beignet to a new level of chocolate bliss. Whether it’s a special breakfast or an indulgent dessert, these beignets will quickly become your favorite go-to for any chocolate craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four rectangular brown food items frying in bubbling hot oil inside a white pan. The food pieces have a rough texture and deep brown color indicating they are well fried. A glass thermometer is placed in the oil, showing the temperature. The oil is actively bubbling around the food items, creating a lively, sizzling effect. The background and surface are a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in bringing the perfect taste, texture, and irresistible aroma to life. From the cocoa powder that colors and flavors the dough to the rich cream that gives the filling its silky smoothness, each component is simple yet vital.

Warm water (1 and 1/2 cups): Activates the yeast and helps create the perfect airy dough.
Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast for rising.
Active dry yeast (2 and 1/4 teaspoons): The magic behind the fluffy texture.
Bread flour (7 cups): Provides structure for the dough’s chewy and light consistency.
Salt (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Dutch-process cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Gives the dough its rich chocolate taste and deep color.
Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and add richness.
Pure vanilla extract (2 and 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses aroma and depth of flavor.
Evaporated milk (1 cup): Provides creaminess and a light caramel note.
Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons): Adds tenderness and richness to the dough.
Peanut oil (5 cups): Ideal for deep frying, giving the beignets a crisp exterior.
Semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (1 cup): The star ingredient for the luxurious filling.
Salt (1/8 teaspoon): For balancing the filling’s sweetness.
Confectioners’ sugar (2 tablespoons plus 1 and 1/2 cups): Adds sweetness in the filling and finishes the beignets with a beautiful dusting.
Espresso powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Enhances the chocolate flavor spectacularly.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the smooth, creamy texture of the filling.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a lovely fragrant touch to the filling.
Cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): Mixed with confectioners’ sugar to dust the beignets deliciously.

How to Make Chocolate Beignets with Rich Chocolate Filling and Cocoa Dusting Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by whisking warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast together in a medium bowl. Let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy—this is your yeast waking up and ready to work its dough magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Sift together your bread flour, salt, cinnamon, and Dutch-process cocoa powder into a large bowl. This ensures everything mixes evenly, and the cocoa powder brings a beautiful chocolate color and taste to your beignets.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs until smooth. Then stir in vanilla extract and evaporated milk. These ingredients give your dough moisture and flavor, making every bite a delight.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients into Dough

Add half of the dry mixture to the egg mixture on low speed. Slowly pour in the foamy yeast mixture while mixing carefully to avoid splashes. Blend in the butter pieces until smooth, then add the rest of the flour mixture. Beat for around two minutes until you have a smooth, cohesive dough ready for chilling.

Step 5: Refrigerate the Dough

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and flavors to deepen, making your beignets tender and flavorful.

Step 6: Shape and Fry the Beignets

After chilling, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 3-inch squares. In a deep pan, heat peanut oil to 360°F, then fry the dough squares until they puff up and turn golden brown, approximately 30 to 45 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels to keep them crisp and light.

Step 7: Prepare the Rich Chocolate Filling

Chop semisweet chocolate finely and place it into a heatproof bowl with salt and confectioners’ sugar. Heat heavy cream and espresso powder (if using) nearly to boiling, then pour over the chocolate mixture. Let sit a couple of minutes before stirring smooth. Stir in vanilla, then refrigerate until thick and pipeable, around two hours.

Step 8: Fill the Beignets

Spoon the chocolate filling into a piping bag fitted with a tip. Poke a small hole on the side of each beignet and gently pipe the filling inside. This secret creamy center will surprise and delight anyone who takes a bite.

Step 9: Dust with Cocoa Sugar

Combine confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder by sifting them together to make the perfect dusting powder. Generously dust your filled beignets just before serving for that classic sweet and chocolate finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Beignets with Rich Chocolate Filling and Cocoa Dusting Recipe

A pile of square-shaped pastries with a rough, slightly crispy brown outer layer dusted generously with light brown powdered sugar rests on a dark plate, each pastry split open to reveal and topped with thick, shiny, smooth light brown chocolate filling oozing out slightly, arranged in a stacked manner with some pastries overlapping each other, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really make these chocolate beignets pop, consider dusting a little extra cocoa sugar on top just before serving. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, add a lovely contrast, both visually and flavor-wise, brightening up the richness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These beignets shine best on their own but pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a velvety hot chocolate really takes the experience up a notch. For a brunch setting, fresh fruit salad or whipped cream complement their texture beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these little chocolate clouds stacked in a pyramid on a pretty plate with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or raspberry coulis. For a delightful surprise, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and watch your guests’ faces light up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any beignets left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. The filling might firm up but the delicate texture is best enjoyed fresh, so plan to eat them soon!

Freezing

You can freeze unfried dough squares for up to a month by laying them flat on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frying. The finished filled beignets are less successful frozen due to their delicate texture and filling.

Reheating

Reheat leftover beignets gently in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to regain some crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy and dense. If the filling is too firm, let them come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Absolutely! While peanut oil offers a high smoke point and neutral flavor perfect for frying, vegetable or canola oil may also be used. Just ensure the oil heats evenly to get that perfect crispy exterior.

Is there a way to make these beignets gluten-free?

Gluten-free versions are tricky with this recipe because the dough relies on bread flour’s gluten structure to rise and hold shape. You might experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, but texture and puffiness may differ.

Can the filling be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy and rich.

How long can the dough stay refrigerated before frying?

You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. This actually helps develop flavor and makes handling easier. Just bring it to room temperature briefly before rolling and cutting.

What’s the best way to pipe the filling without making the beignets soggy?

Use a small, narrow piping tip and gently insert it into the side of each beignet. Pipe the filling slowly until you feel resistance. This method keeps the dough’s integrity while giving you that luscious surprise inside.

Final Thoughts

Making Chocolate Beignets with Rich Chocolate Filling and Cocoa Dusting Recipe is a delightful journey that rewards you with an unforgettable treat. These beignets combine tender dough, rich chocolate filling, and a dusting of cocoa sugar to create a dessert bursting with love and chocolate goodness. So grab your ingredients, invite a friend over, and enjoy this exquisite indulgence together — you won’t regret diving into these little pockets of chocolate perfection!