Description
Classic French beignets — soft, pillowy fried dough squares dusted generously with powdered sugar. A timeless treat from New Orleans cafés to Parisian patisseries, perfect with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Ingredients
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 large eggs
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir in the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Cut into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
8. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
9. Fry beignets in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
10. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
11. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with café au lait or hot chocolate for an authentic experience.
Add a touch of lemon zest or orange extract to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Best enjoyed fresh — beignets lose their crispness after a few hours.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 beignets
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: french beignets, New Orleans beignets, fried dough, powdered sugar pastries, cafe beignets