# Components:
→ Dough
01 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
05 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
→ Frying
09 - 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
→ Decoration
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar
11 - 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
12 - Assorted food coloring (red, green, blue, gold, silver)
13 - Festive sprinkles and edible pearls
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Dissolve active dry yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Allow to stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Whisk in granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
04 - Roll dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Cut into 2-inch rounds using a round cutter. Re-roll scraps as needed. Place rounds on parchment-lined trays, cover, and allow to rise for 20 minutes.
05 - Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
06 - Fry beignets in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool.
07 - Mix powdered sugar with milk to form a smooth, spreadable icing. Divide and tint with chosen food coloring.
08 - Dip or spread the colored icing over cooled beignets. Adorn with festive sprinkles and edible pearls to emulate Christmas ornaments. Let icing set before serving.
