Pillowy French-style donuts at home
There’s nothing quite like a Classic New Orleans beignet—warm, fluffy, and generously dusted with powdered sugar. These iconic square donuts are crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside, and perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special brunch treat. Inspired by the beloved café-style version, this homemade beignet recipe brings that nostalgic Louisiana charm straight to your kitchen. The dough comes together easily, and while it rests, you can relax or prep your coffee. Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving something indulgent, these beignets are a timeless comfort that feel both festive and effortless.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rest Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 (about 20 beignets)
📝 Ingredients List
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy 🌟
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk in the egg and milk until smooth.
- Form the dough: Add flour, butter, and salt. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Rest the dough: Cover the bowl and let rest in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Roll and cut: Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into 2-inch squares.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry beignets in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until puffed and golden 🔥
- Dust and serve: Drain on paper towels, then generously dust with powdered sugar while warm 😊
💡 Pro Tips
- Oil temperature matters: Keep oil steady at 350°F so beignets puff properly without absorbing excess oil.
- Make ahead: Dough can be refrigerated overnight; let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before rolling.
- Extra fluffy texture: Don’t overwork the dough—gentle mixing keeps beignets light.
- Serving idea: Pair with hot coffee or café au lait for the full New Orleans experience.