Beignet Recipe

If you’ve ever wandered through the streets of New Orleans or dreamed of a warm, pillowy, sugar-dusted treat, this Beignet Recipe is for you. These golden, airy pillows of fried dough are surprisingly easy to make at home and bring a little bit of Southern charm to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or dessert, beignets are a classic treat that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be frying up your own batch of these delightful pastries in no time.

Top Reasons to Make Beignet Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: Light, fluffy, and covered with powdered sugar, beignets burst with flavor and sweetness.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
• Quick to Make: From mixing to frying, the process is quick and rewarding.
• Customizable: Add a touch of vanilla or experiment with fillings and toppings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch, a snack, or a festive gathering, beignets fit right in.
• Fun to Make: Frying and dusting with sugar makes this recipe a joyful kitchen experience.

What’s in the Bowl

• 3/4 cup warm water (105-110°F): The perfect temperature to activate the yeast.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: One standard packet to get the dough rising beautifully.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance flavors.
• 2 eggs (room temperature): For richness and structure.
• 1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature): Adds moisture and tenderness.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, subtle aroma.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, with some extra for rolling.
• 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Adds flavor and richness.
• 4-8 cups vegetable oil: For frying the beignets until golden and crisp.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: For a generous dusting on the finished beignets.

What You’ll Need (Gear)

• Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for dough preparation and one small bowl for proofing yeast.
• Whisk and Wooden Spoon: For mixing and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
• Deep Fryer or Large Heavy Pot: For frying the beignets safely.
• Thermometer: To monitor oil temperature for perfect frying (350-375°F).
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: To remove beignets from hot oil.
• Cooling Rack or Paper Towels: For draining excess oil.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: To dust powdered sugar evenly over the beignets.
• Serving Plate: To present your gorgeous beignets.

Beignet Recipe: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water (make sure it’s between 105-110°F) with granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, melted salted butter, and vanilla extract. Once combined, add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently to incorporate.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, about one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. You may need slightly more or less flour depending on your environment. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add a dusting of flour as needed to prevent sticking, but be careful not to add too much.

Step 5: First Rise

Lightly grease a clean bowl with vegetable oil. Place the dough inside, turning once to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 2-3 inch squares or rectangles.

Step 7: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy pot to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 350-375°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure perfect frying temperature.

Step 8: Fry the Beignets

Carefully drop a few pieces of dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until puffed and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to flip and remove the beignets.

Step 9: Drain and Dust

Place fried beignets on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, generously dust with powdered sugar using a sifter or fine mesh strainer.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Beignets are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve with your favorite coffee, tea, or a drizzle of honey for an indulgent treat.

Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

• Spring: Pair beignets with fresh berries and a light lemon glaze.
• Summer: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of raspberry sauce.
• Fall: Dust with cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for a cozy twist.
• Winter: Add a warm chocolate dipping sauce and enjoy with hot cocoa.

What I Learned Testing

• The key to light and airy beignets is using warm water to activate the yeast properly.
• Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial; too hot and the beignets brown too quickly but remain doughy inside, too cool and they absorb too much oil.
• Letting the dough rise fully ensures a fluffy texture.
• Using room temperature eggs and milk helps the yeast activate evenly.
• Generous dusting with powdered sugar is not just tradition — it adds the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

Beignets are best enjoyed the day they are made, fresh and warm. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. To revive their softness, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Avoid refrigeration, as it tends to dry out the dough. If you want to freeze, wrap the cooled beignets tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat gently before serving.

Questions People Ask

Can I make beignets without a deep fryer?

Absolutely! A heavy, deep pot or cast-iron skillet works great. Just make sure to heat enough oil for frying and monitor temperature carefully with a thermometer.

What’s the best flour to use for beignets?

All-purpose flour gives the best texture and rise. Bread flour can make them chewier, while cake flour may result in a more delicate but less structured dough.

Can I use an alternative to whole milk?

Yes, you can substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or any preferred milk alternative at room temperature to keep the recipe dairy-friendly.

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

Using a candy or deep-fry thermometer is the most reliable method. The ideal frying temperature is between 350-375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough in the oil; if it bubbles and rises quickly without browning immediately, the oil is ready.

More from the Kitchen

• French Toast Casserole – Perfect for a morning treat alongside beignets.
• Cinnamon Rolls – Another sweet, fluffy dough delight.
• Simple Homemade Pancakes – Quick and easy breakfast favorites.
• Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic sweet treats with a chewy twist.

Before You Go

Making this Beignet Recipe is an adventure in creating little bits of joy in your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can transport yourself to the streets of New Orleans at any time. Don’t forget to share your beignets with friends and family – these treats are best enjoyed together! Dive in, get your hands a little sticky, and savor every sweet, airy bite.

Enjoy crafting your own batch of these delightful, golden beignets – a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat!

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