Homemade Beignets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Fluffy: The perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside makes each bite a delight.

• Simple to Make: Despite their indulgent texture, these beignets are surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

• Perfectly Sweet: A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds the perfect amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

• Great for Sharing: Beignets are perfect for serving at a brunch, family gathering, or as a fun dessert to share with friends.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and stir until well combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour to prevent it from sticking.

4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Beignets:

5. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.

6. Cut the Beignets: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares, about 2-3 inches wide.

Fry the Beignets:

7. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to submerge the beignets.

8. Fry the Beignets: Carefully drop a few squares of dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the beignets for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

9. Drain the Beignets: Remove the beignets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve:

10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: While the beignets are still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Rising Time: 1-1.5 hours

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 1.5-2 hours

Variations

• Flavored Beignets: Add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the dough for a subtle flavor twist.

• Stuffed Beignets: For a fun variation, stuff the beignets with chocolate, Nutella, or fruit jam before frying for a gooey center.

• Glazed Beignets: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle your beignets with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a sweeter topping.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the beignets in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time, let it rise, and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out and shaping the beignets.

Can I bake the beignets instead of frying them?

While frying gives the beignets their signature texture, you can bake them for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for beignets, but you can experiment with other flours if needed. Keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, especially if using whole wheat or gluten-free flour.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface within a few seconds, the oil is ready. Alternatively, use a kitchen thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).

Conclusion

Homemade Beignets are the ultimate sweet indulgence, with their light, airy texture and sweet powdered sugar coating. This recipe brings the essence of New Orleans right into your kitchen, and with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have these delectable pastries ready to enjoy in no time. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these beignets are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings!

Homemade Beignets

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Homemade Beignets are a classic New Orleans-style pastry that are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. These deep-fried treats are dusted with powdered sugar, offering the ideal balance of sweetness and texture. Easy to make with a few simple ingredients, these beignets are perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations, brunch gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a delicious treat. Make these irresistible beignets at home for a true taste of New Orleans!

---

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • Activate the yeast by combining the warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and stir until well combined. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough:

   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add extra flour as needed to prevent sticking.

3. Let the Dough Rise:

   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Beignets:

   • Punch down the dough after it has risen and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.

   • Cut the dough into squares (2-3 inches wide).

5. Fry the Beignets:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to submerge the beignets.

   • Drop a few squares of dough into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up.

   • Remove the beignets from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate.

6. Serve:

   • While the beignets are still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

---

Notes

For added flavor, try mixing cinnamon or vanilla extract into the dough.To make stuffed beignets, fill the dough squares with chocolate, Nutella, or fruit jam before frying.For a sweeter twist, top with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk instead of powdered sugar.