3 ½ (445 g) cups all-purpose flour , more or less as needed
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Powdered sugar , for dusting
Instructions
Sprinkle the yeast over warm water and stir to dissolve. Let sit for about 5 minutes, or until it turns foamy.
Combine the sugar, egg, salt, heavy cream and shortening in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Use a dough hook attachment with a stand mixer or a dough whisk and then mix in 2 cups of the flour.
Add additional flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and forms a soft dough that is slightly tacky to the touch. Form the dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise about 1 hour, or until doubled.
When the dough has risen, heat the oil in a heavy pot or dutch oven to 350ºF. Roll the dough out on a floured surface a little less than 1/2 inch thick. Cut with a floured cookie cutter into Mickey Mouse shapes. Carefully lower the cut outs into the oil and cook for 30-60 seconds on each side, or until golden brown. If the oil begins to get too hot, turn down. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels for 5 minutes.
After the beignets have cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately. These are best served warm the first day.
Notes
This recipe will make 24 beignets with a 2" cookie cutter and 12 beignets with a 4" cookie cutter.This recipe is adapted from Disney Recipes. Try dipping in these sauces:Hot fudge: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/hot-fudge/Caramel sauce: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/homemade-salted-caramel-sauce/