Classic New Orleans Beignets: Pillowy Perfection

Craving authentic New Orleans beignets? My easy beignet recipe brings the French Quarter to your kitchen! Light, airy, and perfect with powdered sugar. Get the recipe!

May 22, 2025
By Sandra.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever feel like you need a vacation to new orleans? honestly, these beignet solve that. this recipe brings the sweet taste of the french quarter right to your kitchen.

Oh my gosh, they are so good!

Brief Overview

French beignets are a classic new orleans treat with french origins. they're basically fluffy, fried dough, dusted with powdered sugar.

This beignet recipe is medium difficulty and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. it yields about 16 beignets .

Main Benefits

These beignets are perfect for a weekend breakfast dough indulgence or as special iftar ideas . they offer a comforting treat with a satisfyingly sweet crunch.

What makes this special? they are homemade and taste amazing!

Ready to make the best beignets ever?

Okay, let's dive into the good stuff, Beignets Recipes ingredients!

Let's Talk Ingredients

Okay, you're gonna need a few things for this adventure. first, grab 1 cup of warm water. it needs to be around 105- 115° f.

Then you will need 1/4 ounce of active dry yeast and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. don't forget 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 large egg, and 1/2 cup of evaporated milk.

Last but not least, you'll need 4 cups of all-purpose flour, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. you'll also need oil for frying.

Honestly, i prefer vegetable oil or canola oil. oh, and a cup of powdered sugar is a must!

Tools and Equipment

You'll need a few key tools for this beignet baking bonanza. a large mixing bowl is crucial, and measuring cups are your best friends.

A stand mixer makes life easier, but you can totally knead by hand. a thermometer for the water is also good.

You'll also need a rolling pin and a pizza cutter, a deep fryer or heavy pot, and slotted spoon or spider.

Don't forget a wire rack for draining.

The Process: Step by Step

First, get that yeast going. combine your warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. let it sit until it's foamy.

Now, mix the wet stuff. in a big bowl, whisk the yeast mix with the sugar, salt, egg, milk, and butter.

Next, add flour little by little. then, knead that dough. this is important, and it will take about 5- 7 minutes.

It should be smooth. after that, let it rise. this is called breakfast dough .

Roll it out. cut into little squares. let them rise again for about 30- 45 minutes. time to fry. heat the oil to 350° f.

Fry each side for 2- 3 minutes. drain them and get ready for the best part. dust with powdered sugar!

Time to start thinking Donuts Recipes . Or Maybe think of Whipped Cream Recipe and making your own Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe

Serving and Savoring

Serve those beignets immediately! they are best hot. maybe you could create a tasting board . think café au lait alongside these bad boys.

Or go wild with chocolate sauce. a fruit compote also works wonders. honestly, whatever makes you happy!

Alright, let's talk ingredients and equipment . this beignet recipe is easier than you think. trust me. i’ve made them enough times to know! sometimes i mess up, but that's part of the fun.

Think of this as our little tasting board experiment.

Main Ingredients for the Best Beignets Recipes

Let's break it down. This breakfast dough is going to be epic!

• Warm Water: 1 cup (240ml) . Not too hot, not too cold, you know? Think baby bottle temperature, 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . This activates the yeast.
• Active Dry Yeast: 1/4 ounce (7g or 2 1/4 teaspoons) . Make sure it's not expired! That's the worst.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) . Just plain ol' sugar.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g) . Don't skip it! It balances the sweetness.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten. Room temperature is best, honestly.
• Evaporated Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Gives a creamy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups (500g) , plus extra. You'll need it for dusting.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) , melted. Adds richness.

The flour quality matters. Use a good brand for the best French beignets .

Seasoning Notes for the Beignet Recipe

Now, for the flavor magic!

• Essential spice combination? Not really. It's all about the vanilla (optional). A teaspoon does wonders.
• Flavor enhancers? A pinch of nutmeg is pretty great!
• If you want something different for maybe Iftar Ideas , then cardamom also works!
• Quick substitution? Almond extract instead of vanilla. Boom.

Oh my gosh, i forgot the oil. four to six cups of vegetable or canola oil for frying. and powdered sugar , of course, 1 cup (120g).

This is a non-negotiable, or more.

Equipment Needed for Donuts Recipes

Keep it simple, folks!

• Large Mixing Bowl: For the dough party.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key.
• Stand Mixer: Optional. But makes life easier.
• Thermometer: Super important.
• Rolling Pin: To flatten the dough.
• Pizza Cutter or Knife: For cutting squares.
• Deep Fryer or Large Pot: For frying.
• Slotted Spoon: For fishing out beignets .
• Wire Rack: For draining the oil.

No deep fryer? no problem! use a heavy-bottomed pot. just watch the temperature carefully. you know? just keep the oil at 350° f ( 175° c) .

And make sure you got your homemade whipped cream recipe handy. what is beignets recipes with out whipped cream recipe ?

Alright, y'all ready to make some beignets ? i am so stoked to share this. seriously, nothing beats a warm, pillowy beignet covered in powdered sugar.

It’s like a little piece of new orleans in your own kitchen. someone on a tasting board asked me for my beignets recipes .

Let's do this.

Classic New Orleans Beignets: Pillowy Perfection

Oh my gosh, these are amazing! it is so worth the effort when you can nail it. these french beignets are super easy to make at home.

Honestly, they are way better than some i’ve had in restaurants. they’re light, airy, and practically beg for a dusting of powdered sugar.

We are almost done.

Prep Like a Pro: Getting Ready for Beignet Bliss

Essential Mise en Place

First, let's get everything ready. measure out 1 cup (240ml) of warm water . it needs to be between 105- 115° f (40- 46° c) .

I use a thermometer. trust me; it’s important. also, have your 1/4 ounce (7g) yeast, sugar, salt, egg, milk, flour, and butter ready to go.

Having everything prepped makes the whole process way smoother.

Time-Saving Organization Tips

Here's a tip: While the dough is proofing, clean up your workspace. It makes frying so much easier when you're not surrounded by dirty dishes. Also, prep your powdered sugar. Trust me.

Safety First!

Hot oil is no joke, y'all. always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. i have a burn scar. never leave the fryer unattended.

And keep a fire extinguisher handy. just in case. you know?

Frying Perfection: Step-by-Step

Here’s the magic.

1. Activate the Yeast: Warm water, yeast, pinch of sugar. Wait 'til foamy.
2. Combine everything: Mix yeast with sugar, salt, egg, milk, melted butter.
3. Add Flour: Gradually add 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour . Mix until soft dough.
4. Knead time: Knead for 5- 7 minutes until smooth.
5. First Proof: Let rise 'til doubled. This takes about 2 hours .
6. Roll it out: Punch down dough, roll to 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Cut it up: Cut into 2-inch squares. Pizza cutter works great.
8. Second Proof: Let rise again, 30- 45 minutes .

The oil needs to be at a temp of 350° f ( 175° c) , then fry 2- 3 minutes per side.

You will know when to take it out of the fryer when the beignet reaches golden brown.

Pro Tips for Beignet Brilliance

Expert Techniques and Shortcuts

Don’t overcrowd the fryer! that's a rookie mistake. and always dust those bad boys with powdered sugar while they're still warm.

Speaking of powdered sugar, many enjoy this with a homemade whipped cream recipe .

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure your oil is hot enough. Otherwise, you'll end up with greasy beignets . Also, don't skip the second proof! It's crucial for that light, airy texture.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight. just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

This works perfect with iftar ideas and breakfast dough .

Honestly, these are the best Beignet Recipe ever. I hope you are now on the bandwagon and that you enjoy these Donuts Recipes . Happy frying, friends!

Recipe Notes

Hey y'all! so, you're about to make some beignet magic happen, right? awesome! before you dive in, let’s chat about some crucial tips and tricks.

I've learned a few things making these french beignets over the years, trust me. these little squares of fried dough are addictive, so be prepared to share! think of this section as a mini tasting board of helpful hints.

Plating and Presentation Ideas

Honestly, presentation is key. dust those beignets with a ridiculous amount of powdered sugar. seriously, bury them. it’s part of the charm! a simple white plate lets the sugary goodness shine.

For a brunch vibe, think about adding fresh berries. strawberries or raspberries are perfect. serve alongside a steaming mug of coffee or even a cool glass of milk.

These beignets recipes are also amazing for iftar ideas , especially when paired with some sweet tea!

Storage Secrets

Okay, here's the deal: beignets are best fresh . like, straight-from-the-fryer fresh. but, life happens. if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

They'll be good for about a day, maybe two. they will lose their crispness. reheating? pop them in a toaster oven at 350° f ( 175° c) for a few minutes.

Avoid the microwave, it'll make them sad and soggy. i don't recommend freezing beignets . it just doesn’t work well. they never quite regain that perfect texture.

Mix It Up: Variations

Want to shake things up? you know, get a little crazy? try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.

It's subtle, but it adds a little something special. for a dairy-free version, use almond milk and a plant-based butter substitute.

It totally works! seasonally, during autumn, you can mix a small dash of pumpkin pie spice to remind you of those cold seasons!

Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, let’s talk nutrition. one beignet is about 150 calories. it’s got roughly 3g of protein, 8g of fat, and 18g of carbs.

And around 8g of sugar. keep in mind, that powdered sugar adds up! they aren't exactly health food, lets be honest.

But, they bring joy! and sometimes, that's all that matters. it can be something great with your breakfast dough ! if you feel indulgent, top it of with some homemade whipped cream recipe .

Otherwise, a whipped cream recipe from the store works.

Making beignets at home is easier than you think. don't be scared to try! it's a fun, delicious adventure. and hey, even if they aren't perfect, they're still fried dough covered in sugar.

What’s not to love? go ahead and try some donuts recipes while you're at it! you got this! i know it's not easy at first, but keep at it and you'll be a pro in no time!

Classic New Orleans Beignets: Pillowy Perfection Recipe Card

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Preparation time:02 Hrs 30 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:16

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!