Looking for a fun and sweet treat to make for any special occasion? These Heart-Shaped Oven Baked Beignets are perfect for everything from Valentine’s Day to Christmas, anniversaries, or even just a cozy weekend baking project!
Why You Will Love Those Oven Baked Beignets
These heart-shaped beignets are a lighter twist on the traditional deep-fried version, baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. They’re easy to make, with fewer calories but just as delicious, using simple ingredients you likely already have!
Ingredients you will need
For the oven-baked beignets: You’ll need lukewarm water, caster sugar, baking powder, a large egg, buttermilk, melted butter, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour to create the dough.
For the finishing touches: Use powdered sugar for dusting, pink food coloring and sugar for the glaze, and milk for brushing.
How To Store
Room Temperature: Store the beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to freshen them up.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked beignets after shaping. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. Frozen beignets can be kept for up to 3 months.
If you enjoyed these heart-shaped beignets, be sure to check out my other delicious beignets or donuts recipes like my Sopaipillas, No-Yeast Beignets, and Heart-Shaped Beignets perfect for any sweet occasion!
Tips and Tricks
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. This is perfect for prepping ahead of a party or special breakfast.
- Light Baked Beignets: Don’t overwork the dough knead just until it becomes smooth and elastic to keep the beignets light and fluffy.
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a warm, spiced flavor, roll the beignets in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar right after baking while they’re still warm.
- Pink Sugar Topping: Adding pink-colored sugar to your mini heart-shaped beignets before baking not only gives them a sweet, colorful coating but also enhances their charming size. The smaller hearts are perfect for sharing, and the vibrant pink sugar adds an even more romantic vibe—making them an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the heart shape without a cookie cutter?
If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, you can trace a heart template onto parchment paper, then cut the dough around it with a small knife. Alternatively, shape the dough by hand or use a cup to create circles.
How do French beignets differ from Louisiana beignets?
French beignets are typically lighter, can be sweet or savory, and are sometimes filled. Louisiana beignets, especially from New Orleans, are denser, square-shaped, deep-fried, and always dusted with powdered sugar.
Heart-Shaped Oven Baked Beignets
Ingredients
For the Beignets
- ¾ cup lukewarm water
- ¼-½ cup caster sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 4 Tbsp melted butter
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
For Dusting:
- 4 Tbsp powdered sugar
For the Pink Glaze and Sugar Topping:
- Pink food coloring
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- Milk (for brushing)
Instructions
Making the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm water, caster sugar, melted butter, a pinch of salt, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Add the lightly beaten egg and mix until everything is well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and an additional pinch of salt. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Shaping the Beignets
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a thickness of about ¼ inch. For heart-shaped beignets, use a large heart-shaped cutter for the main shape, and a smaller heart cutter for creating mini hearts or a heart outline inside.
- Arrange the heart-shaped dough on a lined baking sheet.
Preparing for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).
- Lightly brush the tops of the beignets with milk to help them achieve a golden-brown finish. If you want a colorful twist, sprinkle some pink sugar on top.
- Bake the beignets in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Finishing Touches
- Allow the beignets to cool slightly before dusting them generously with powdered sugar.
- Optionally, mix a small amount of pink food coloring with the sugar and sprinkle it over the top for a fun, festive look.
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