🥐 A Classic French Treat You’ll Love!
Beignets (say it like ben-YAY) are soft, fluffy pastries that are fried and covered in powdered sugar. They’re a little crispy on the outside and super airy on the inside—like eating a warm, sweet cloud!
Beignets come from France but became super popular in New Orleans. People there eat them with coffee almost every day. These treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want something sweet and special.
The best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to make them. With this 5-step guide, you can easily make fresh beignets at home.
📝 What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Rolling pin
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Deep pot or fryer
- Thermometer (for oil)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels and wire rack
- Sifter or small strainer (for sugar)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Beignets
Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast
Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Wait 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the egg, milk, and salt. Mix well. Slowly add flour and then the butter. Knead until the dough is soft and smooth (5–10 minutes).
Step 3: Let It Rise
Put the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Punch down the dough. Roll it out to ¼-inch thick and cut it into squares.
Step 5: Fry and Sugar
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry a few at a time until golden (about 1 minute each side). Drain and dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
🌟 Tips for Perfect Beignets
- Use warm—not hot—water so you don’t kill the yeast.
- Let the dough rise fully for light, fluffy beignets.
- Don’t crowd the pan while frying.
- Add sugar while beignets are still warm so it sticks better.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the rise time
- Frying in oil that’s too hot or too cold
- Overmixing the dough
- Pulling them out of the oil too early
🥞 Fun Ways to Serve Beignets
- With coffee or tea
- With fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries
- Drizzled with chocolate
- Stacked on a plate for brunch parties
- Dusted with cinnamon sugar
🎉 Beignet Variations to Try
- Filled Beignets: Add jam, Nutella, or custard inside
- Baked Beignets: Bake instead of fry (375°F for 12–15 minutes)
- Savory Beignets: Add herbs and cheese to the dough
- Pumpkin Spice Beignets: Add cinnamon and nutmeg
🧊 How to Store and Reheat
- Store in a container for 1–2 days
- Freeze before or after frying
- Reheat in oven at 300°F for 5–8 mins or microwave for 10–15 secs
- Add fresh sugar before serving
🧃 Great Drinks to Serve with Beignets
- Café au lait (French-style coffee + milk)
- Hot chocolate or chai latte
- Fresh orange or grapefruit juice
- Iced peach lemonade
- Minty fruit salad on the side
❓ FAQs
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! Just cover and chill it after the first rise. Bring to room temp before rolling.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! They’ll be a little different but still yummy. Brush with butter and sugar after baking.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. They’ll be slightly denser but still tasty.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze the dough squares or fried beignets. Reheat and add fresh sugar when serving.
What’s the difference between beignets and doughnuts?
Beignets are square, light, and airy. Doughnuts are usually round and denser.
💬 Final Thoughts
Beignets are the perfect treat—easy to make, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s your first time making French pastries or you’ve done it before, this recipe will help you create sweet magic in your kitchen.
If you love easy and delicious recipes like this, follow our blog for more sweet snacks, French desserts, and brunch ideas that will make your mornings extra special.
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