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The Best Beignets Recipe
5 from 51 votes

The Best Beignets Recipe

The Best Beignets Recipe produces light, fluffy fried squares of dough dusted generously with powdered sugar. Made from a yeast dough including warm water, milk, eggs, sugar, and butter, the dough is mixed and rested until doubled in size before being cut and deep fried. These tender, slightly airy pastries are especially popular for breakfast or sweet snacks.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 5 mins
Servings: 24
Calories: 129 kcal
Course: Dessert, Breakfast
Cuisine: French, American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water 105° to 110°, warm
  • 2 teaspoons active yeast
  • 1/3 cups sugar plus 1 tablespoon
  • 2/3 cup milk whole
  • 1 egg large; plus 1 yolk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt sea salt
  • 4 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • neutral cooking oil for frying
  • powdered sugar

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar to a standing mixer bowl and whisk until combined. Let sit for 7-10 minutes until it forms a raft on top.
  2. Next, pour in the remaining sugar, milk, eggs, and melted butter and whisk until combined.
  3. Attach the bowl to the stand mixer with the hook attachment, add the salt and flour, and mix on medium speed until smooth and the dough has pulled away from the inside of the bowl, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a towel and let sit at room temperature until it has doubled in size, about 90 minutes.
  5. Transfer the dough to a large clean surface dusted with flour. Roll out until it is ½” to ¾” thick and cut into 1 ½” to 2” squares or rectangles.
  6. Add 5-6 of the beignets to a pot with hot oil or a deep fryer set to 350° and cook for 1 1/2-2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  7. Cook in batches until the beignets have all been fried and set on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper or paper towels and drain.
  8. Coat heavily in powdered sugar and serve.

Notes

  • The dough can be made up to one day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator before frying.
  • Cooked beignets taste best fresh; store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to two days, but they do not freeze well.
  • Reheat beignets briefly in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or for 15-20 seconds in the microwave to warm before eating.
  • Classic serving includes powdered sugar topping and often café au lait, a blend of strong coffee and steamed milk, traditional for breakfast.
  • You can prepare these without a stand mixer by hand; knead the dough until smooth on a floured surface.
  • Cover the dough when resting with plastic wrap or a light towel to maintain moisture.

Nutrition Information

Calories 129kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 22g (7%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 11mg (4%) Sodium 116mg (5%) Potassium 45mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 65IU (1%) Calcium 12mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 129

% Daily Value*

Calories 129kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 22g 7%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 116mg 5%
Potassium 45mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 65IU 1%
Calcium 12mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.