Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) Warm Water (105-115°F/40-46°C)
  • 1/4 ounce (7g or 2 1/4 teaspoons) Active Dry Yeast
  • 1/4 cup (50g) Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) Salt
  • 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Evaporated Milk
  • 4 cups (500g) All-Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 4-6 cups Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil, for frying
  • 1 cup (120g) Powdered Sugar, or more as needed

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Let stand until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), whisk together the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, salt, egg, evaporated milk, and melted butter.
  3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes (or with a dough hook in a stand mixer for 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
  7. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into approximately 2-inch squares.
  8. Place the squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  9. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  10. Carefully drop a few beignets at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  11. Remove beignets with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain. While still warm, generously dust with powdered sugar.
  12. Enjoy your beignets while they're still warm and fluffy!