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Beignets on a plate next to a coffee mug with liquid in it.
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Beignets

To celebrate Mardi Gras or any day, learn how to make beignets from scratch. This classic doughnut-like treat is the perfect pairing for a hot cup of coffee.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Creole, French
Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings 36 beignets
Calories 546kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, butter, vanilla extract, and egg. With the motor running on low, slowly drizzle in the buttermilk.
  • Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and appears shiny and smooth, about 10 minutes.
  • Turn out the dough onto a dry surface and shape into a ball (At this point, you can place in a bowl, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours, if making the dough ahead of time).
  • Place into a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place (80 to 85 degrees, see notes) until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Lightly oil a piece of parchment paper and set on a baking sheet. Punch down the dough and fold it up tightly.
  • On a lightly oiled surface, roll out the dough to 12 x 12-inch square (⅓ inch thickness). Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 2-inch squares, making a total of 36 pieces. Place the squares on the same piece of parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until puffed, about 30 minutes.
  • While the beignets are rising, heat the oil to 375 degrees in a large dutch oven or saucepot. Carefully drop the pieces of dough, a few at a time (no more than 4), in the hot oil. Deep fry until deep golden brown on both sides, 1-2 minutes per side, flipping over with chopsticks or tongs halfway through. Be sure to keep the temperature of the oil as constant as possible. 
  • Remove with a fine mesh strainer and place on a cooling rack set over paper towels to drain. Once slightly cooled, dust liberally with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  1. Active dry yeast: Fleischmann’s, Red Star, Bob’s Red Mill, or Saf are all reliable brands. Just make sure the yeast is fresh and hasn’t expired. See "Recipe Tips and Variations" below for how to spot an expired batch of yeast.
  2. Vegetable oil: Canola, cottonseed, or any neutral-flavored, high smoke point oil works well for frying Beignets.
  3. Bench scraper:  A bench scraper is ideal for lifting and cutting portions of dough. It's also handy to use it to quickly clear flour or food scraps off of a work surface.
  4. Silicone mat: This is not mandatory, but I love a silicone pastry mat for rolling out dough; it makes the task cleaner and easier.
  5. Wire rack: Once you remove the Beignets from the oil, transfer them to a wire rack over paper towels to drain as you complete the rest of the batch.
  6. Yield: This recipe makes 36 light and fluffy Beignets.
  7. Storage: Store beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 beignet | Calories: 546kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 55g | Saturated Fat: 44g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 69mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg