Beignets are a delightful treat that encapsulates the essence of New Orleans cuisine. These classic French doughnuts are soft, pillowy, and lightly crisp on the outside, making them a beloved dessert. Often dusted with powdered sugar, they are best enjoyed warm and fresh, creating an irresistible combination that has captivated many. With this guide, you’ll learn not only how to make beignets but also why they are popular and what variations you can try.

Why You’ll Love This Beignets

There are countless reasons to love these sweet fritters! First, they are incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. Second, the texture is simply divine—soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. Third, beignets are versatile; you can fill them with chocolate or serve them with fruit. Fourth, they make for a perfect breakfast or dessert, satisfying both cravings. Fifth, the joy of sharing these sugar-coated doughnuts with friends and family is simply unmatched. Lastly, they are a fantastic way to indulge without the fuss—just fry and serve!

Ingredients for Beignets

Gather these items:

½ cup warm water (105°F–110°F)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 large egg
½ cup milk
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
3¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3–4 cups canola oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting

How to Make Beignets Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whisk the warm water and yeast together in the bowl of a stand mixer and let sit until foamy.
Step 2: Add the egg, milk, sugar, vinegar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon; mix on low speed until combined.
Step 3: Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the flour, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Add melted butter and knead until fully incorporated. Add flour as needed if the dough is too sticky.
Step 5: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 4 hours.
Step 6: Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 7: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into squares.
Step 8: Fry the dough pieces in small batches, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides.
Step 9: Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
Step 10: Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Classic Beignets: 12 Steps to Irresistible Fried Pastries - Beignets - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Beignets

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your oil is at the right temperature for frying to avoid greasy beignets.
Let the dough rise in a warm area to achieve the perfect fluffiness.
For an added twist, try filling your beignets with chocolate or fruit preserves!

Best Ways to Serve Beignets

Beignets are best served warm and can be enjoyed in various ways. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee for a delightful café-style breakfast. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit for a fruity twist. For a luxurious experience, drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce on top or fill them with cream for a decadent dessert.

How to Store and Reheat Beignets

To store leftover beignets, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best eaten fresh, but you can reheat them in a microwave for a few seconds or in an oven to regain their crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beignets

What’s the secret to perfect Beignets?

The secret lies in the dough’s texture and the frying temperature. Make sure the dough is soft and elastic, and the oil is at 350°F for that perfect golden brown color.

Can I make Beignets ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and let it rise. However, it is recommended to fry them just before serving for the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Beignets?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you accurately measure ingredients, allow the dough to rise fully, and maintain the right oil temperature while frying.

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Variations of Beignets You Can Try

There are many delightful variations to explore. For instance, you can try making Creole beignets with a hint of spices or gluten-free beignet alternatives using almond flour. Beignets with chocolate filling offer a rich twist, while classic New Orleans beignets remain a timeless favorite.

For more delicious recipes, check out Easy Cinnamon Rolls or Pappardelle with Beef Ragu. If you’re interested in the history of beignets, you can read more about it here.

Classic Beignets: 12 Steps to Irresistible Fried Pastries

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Author: Michael
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 12 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Classic New Orleans–style beignets that are soft, pillowy, and lightly crisp on the outside, dusted generously with powdered sugar and best enjoyed warm and fresh.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup warm water (105°F–110°F)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 large egg
½ cup milk
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
3¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3–4 cups canola oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

Whisk the warm water and yeast together in the bowl of a stand mixer and let sit until foamy.
Add the egg, milk, sugar, vinegar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon; mix on low speed until combined.
Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the flour, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Add melted butter and knead until fully incorporated. Add flour as needed if the dough is too sticky.
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 4 hours.
Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into squares.
Fry the dough pieces in small batches, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides.
Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.