These Perfectly Mini Doughnuts, also known as Petit Beignets, are bite-sized delights that are soft, airy, and coated in a generous dusting of granulated sugar. The image provides a clear visual guide, showing the dough being deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown in a pan in the top left panel. The main visual showcases a tempting pile of these finished mini doughnuts, glistening with sugar, on a white plate, highlighting their appealing texture and snackable size. The simplicity of their ingredients, including flour, sugar, and baking powder, along with their quick frying method, makes them an accessible treat for home bakers. These doughnuts are a comforting indulgence, perfect for a quick breakfast, a sweet snack, or a delightful dessert, reminiscent of classic fried dough pastries.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for the dough)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 large egg (yolk visible in image, suggesting whole egg or primarily yolk)
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk (or more, as needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
- Vegetable oil or other neutral frying oil, for deep frying
- ½ – 1 cup extra granulated sugar, for coating (or powdered sugar)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet (for frying)
- Slotted spoon or spider
- Paper towels or a wire rack set over a baking sheet (for draining)
- Shallow dish or plate (for coating doughnuts)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar (for the dough), baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk the large egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (if using).
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Start mixing with a rubber spatula or a fork.
- Gradually add the milk, starting with ¼ cup, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. You may need a little more or less milk depending on the humidity and your flour. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the doughnuts tough. The dough should be soft enough to handle but not overly wet.
- Once the dough comes together, gently knead it a few times (no more than 10-15 seconds) on a lightly floured surface to bring it into a cohesive ball.
- Shape the Mini Doughnuts:
- On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the dough to about ½-inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife or a small, lightly floured cookie cutter, cut the dough into small pieces. The image shows irregular, roundish shapes, suggesting they can be hand-rolled or simply cut into squares or small rectangles. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1 to 1 ½ inches in size, as they will expand significantly when fried.
- Heat the Frying Oil:
- Pour enough vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of dough into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface within a few seconds.
- Fry the Mini Doughnuts:
- Carefully drop a few mini doughnuts into the hot oil at a time, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy doughnuts.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon or spider, until the doughnuts are golden brown and puffed up.
- Once golden, remove the doughnuts from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.
- Coat with Sugar:
- While the doughnuts are still warm (but not hot), place the extra ½ – 1 cup of granulated sugar (or powdered sugar) in a shallow dish or plate.
- Roll the warm doughnuts in the sugar until they are completely coated. The warmth of the doughnuts will help the sugar adhere.
- Serve:
- Arrange the sugared mini doughnuts on a serving plate.
- Serve immediately while they are still warm for the best taste and texture. These Perfectly Mini Doughnuts are a delightful and quick treat that will surely satisfy any sweet craving.