Gingerbread Surprise Beignets with Spiced Mocha Hot Chocolate

A Cozy Christmas Treat: Gingerbread Surprise Beignets and Spiced Mocha

The aroma of warm spices fills the air, a comforting blend of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s the kind of scent that instantly transports you to a cozy Christmas evening, curled up by the fire with a steaming mug and a delightful treat. And that's exactly what inspired me to create these Gingerbread Surprise Beignets, a festive twist on a classic French pastry. Paired with a rich, spiced mocha hot chocolate, it's the perfect recipe for a heartwarming holiday gathering or a quiet night in.

I've always loved baking, especially during the holidays. It's a way for me to express my creativity and share a little piece of joy with those I care about. The process itself is therapeutic—the gentle kneading of the dough, the satisfying sizzle of the beignets in the hot oil, the sweet dusting of powdered sugar. Each step is a small act of love, culminating in a delectable treat that's sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces. These beignets, with their soft, fluffy texture and warm gingerbread spice, are a testament to that love. The hidden surprise of Nutella in some, adds an extra layer of deliciousness and excitement.

The spiced mocha hot chocolate is the perfect complement. The rich, dark chocolate is infused with warming spices, mirroring the flavors of the beignets. The creamy texture and comforting warmth make it the ideal beverage to enjoy on a chilly evening. Imagine the scene: a crackling fire in the hearth, soft Christmas music playing in the background, and the aroma of gingerbread and chocolate filling the air. It's pure bliss!

This recipe isn't just about the final product; it's about the journey, the experience of creating something special. It's a chance to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It's easier than you might think, and the results are undeniably rewarding. So gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and let the magic of Christmas baking begin!

Beyond the Recipe: A Festive Tradition

For me, baking these beignets has become a new Christmas tradition. It's a way to connect with the spirit of the season, to embrace the warmth and generosity that the holidays represent. Last year, I made a batch for my family Christmas gathering, and the delighted expressions on their faces as they bit into those warm, fluffy squares were priceless. It's moments like these that remind me why I love baking so much. This year, I'm planning on making a double batch—one for my family and one for some friends who are unable to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones this year. It's a small gesture, but I hope it brings them some comfort and cheer.

The process of making these beignets is also a wonderful opportunity to involve children. They can help with measuring ingredients, kneading the dough (with supervision of course!), or even cutting out the beignet squares. It's a great way to teach them about baking and to create lasting memories together. And let's be honest, the sticky, delicious results are an added bonus for everyone involved!

More than just a recipe: Creating memories.

As the year winds down, and the holidays approach, I find myself reflecting on the year gone by and looking forward to the new year ahead. Baking, and sharing these treats with others, has become a very significant part of my life and allows me to reflect and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. This year, with the added stress of the pandemic still affecting many, and the ever increasing cost of living, finding peace and joy in simpler things such as baking has become increasingly important. Baking is not just about the delicious treat; it's about the process, the sharing, and the memories it creates. It's a reminder that the most precious gifts are often the simplest ones. And this recipe is a celebration of those simple gifts; the warmth of family, the joy of sharing, and the comfort of a delicious treat on a cold winter's night. So whether it’s Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, or simply a quiet night at home, this recipe has become a staple in my life; giving me and my loved ones a moment of comfort, togetherness, and peace, during these busy times.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try. Let the aroma of gingerbread and chocolate fill your home, and let the simple act of baking bring warmth and joy to your heart this holiday season. Happy baking!

Step-by-step

• Mix the yeast, brown sugar and water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Let sit for 10 minutes and allow the yeast to proof, it will foam up.
• Once the yeast is ready, add the eggs, salt, buttermilk, melted butter, molasses and vanilla. Add 2 1/2 cups flour, the ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and all-spice, mix on medium until combined. Continue adding the remaining 1/2 cup of flour slowly until it is all incorporated. Dough will be sticky. At this point begin adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball (about 4-6 minutes). If you don’t have a mixer or would rather knead the dough with you hands, place the dough on a floured surface and knead until smooth, adding a little more flour as needed (about 8-10 minutes). The dough may still be a bit sticky, but shouldn’t be overly so.
• Spray a bowl with cooking spray and place the dough inside, cover with some plastic wrap on top. Let rise for 2 hours in a warm spot.
• When the dough is ready place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out into a square or rectangle. To make unstuffed beignets: Roll to 1/4 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter, knife or pastry cutter to cut the dough into 3x3 inch squares (about 25 squares). To make Nutella stuffed beignets: When the dough is ready place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out into a square or rectangle. Roll to 1/8 inch thick. Use a knife or pastry cutter to cut into 3x3 inch squares (about 50 squares).
• Scoop out a scant teaspoon of Nutella and place in the middle of a square. Gently place another square on top and pinch the sides together. Fold each side in about 1/4 inch and pinch again. It is VERY important that the beignet is well sealed. If not, it could pop open while it fries and all the filling will spill out!
• Place a deep, heavy bottom pot on the stove and add enough oil to fill the pot about 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep. Turn the burner to medium and preheat the oil to 350 degrees F. I would recommend using an instant read thermometer so you know the exact temperature at all times.
• Once the oil is ready, fry 4-6 beignets at a time depending on the size of your pot. Use a slotted spoon to flip them over every 30 seconds. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on both sides. If they are taking longer than 3 minutes to brown you need to turn your burner up and make sure your oil is at the correct temperature. Remove with the slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining squares. Dust the warm beignets with powdered sugar on both sides.
• In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, instant coffee and salt. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the milk and cream. Bring it to a simmer, stirring every few minutes. Sprinkle the dry chocolate mixture over the hot milk, turning the heat down to low. Whisk continuously until smooth (do not let it boil), then whisk in the chopped chocolate and vanilla extract.
• Serve the warm beignets with a big mug of hot chocolate...enjoy by the fire while listening to Christmas music. Obviously.