making heart-shaped beignets – a sweet valentine’s treat ❤️

 

There’s something special about making homemade treats with loved ones, and these heart-shaped beignets were such a fun and delicious way to celebrate together! 💕 My husband and I prepared the dough the night before, which made the process so much easier in the morning. That way, we could focus on the best part—frying them up, dusting them in strawberry powdered sugar, and, of course, eating them while they were still warm and fluffy!

If you're looking for a sweet and simple baking project for Valentine’s Day (or any time you want a little extra love in your kitchen), this recipe is a must-try. I used the overnight beignet recipe from @acozykitchen and added a special touch with homemade strawberry powdered sugar. The result? Light, airy beignets with a hint of fruity sweetness—absolutely irresistible!

Strawberry Powdered Sugar Recipe 🍓✨

Ingredients:

2 cups freeze-dried strawberries 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

Add the freeze-dried strawberries and powdered sugar to a food processor or high-powered blender. Pulse until the mixture turns into a fine, powdery consistency (about 1 minute). Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Overnight Beignet Dough Recipe 🍩

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons warm water (99–105°F)
• 2 ½ teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup plus a pinch of granulated sugar
• ½ cup warm browned butter
• 1 cup whole milk, slightly warmed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Neutral oil (canola or peanut) for frying
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough (Night Before)

• In a stand mixer, whisk together warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
• Add browned butter, warmed milk, ¼ cup sugar, and the egg.
• Mix in 2 cups of flour, salt, and baking powder. Continue adding flour (up to 2 more cups) until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
• Scrape down the sides, sprinkle with a little extra flour, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
• Transfer to the refrigerator and let it rise overnight.

2. Roll & Cut (Morning)

• Remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle.
• Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut into 2-inch squares (or use a heart-shaped cookie cutter).
• Lightly cover with plastic wrap while preparing the oil.

3. Fry & Dust

• Heat about 2 inches of oil in a medium saucepan to 375°F.
• Spread a generous amount of plain powdered sugar onto a baking sheet.
• Working in batches, gently lower the beignets into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes, flipping to ensure they turn golden brown on both sides.
• Transfer directly to the powdered sugar, then immediately dust with strawberry powdered sugar for an extra burst of flavor.
• Repeat with remaining beignets, letting the oil return to 375°F between batches.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

A Fun & Sweet Tradition

Making these heart beignets together felt like a little Valentine’s Day tradition in the making. The best part? They’re not just for Valentine’s—you can make them any time you want to add a little extra love to your mornings. 💕 Inspired by: @acozykitchen’s Overnight Beignets