Beignets | New Orleans Beignet Recipe

PUBLISHED February 17, 2026· MODIFIED February 17, 2026 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1329 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

Indulge in the delightful taste of New Orleans with our homemade Beignets recipe. Crispy on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside, and generously dusted with powdered sugar, these classic French pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Treat

Authentic Flavor. Experience the authentic taste of New Orleans with these traditional Beignets, reminiscent of the iconic Cafe Du Monde.
Easy to Make. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these delicious pastries in no time.
Versatile. Enjoy them on their own or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a truly indulgent treat.
Perfect for Sharing. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or treating yourself to a special breakfast, they are sure to impress.

What Are Beignets?

Beignets are a classic French pastry popularized in New Orleans. These deep-fried doughnuts are made from a simple yeast dough, which is cut into squares or rectangles, fried until golden brown, and generously dusted with powdered sugar.

What Do Beignets Taste Like?

Beignets have a delightful taste that can be described as a combination of sweet, doughy, and slightly crispy. The dough itself is rich and fluffy, thanks to the addition of yeast, milk, and eggs. When fried to perfection, the exterior develops a light and airy texture with a golden-brown crust, providing a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour– Provides the base for the dough and gives them their fluffy texture.
Active dry yeast– Helps the dough rise and creates light, airy pastries.
Granulated sugar– Adds sweetness to the dough and aids in the activation of the yeast.
Salt– Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Milk– Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Water- Helps to activate the yeast and hydrate the dough.
Vegetable oil– Used for frying them to golden perfection.
Egg– Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
Vanilla extract– Adds flavor and aroma to the Beignets.
Powdered sugar– Sprinkled generously for a sweet finish.

How To Make Beignets

Proof the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
Prepare the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Shape the Beignets. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares or rectangles.
Fry the Beignets. In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F. Carefully drop the Beignets into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve and Enjoy. Dust the warm Beignets generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately. Enjoy them hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Tips And Tricks

Making beignets at home can be a delightful culinary adventure! Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve perfection every time:

Temperature Control. Ensure that your ingredients are at the right temperature. Use warm (not hot) milk and water to activate the yeast properly, and make sure your oil is at the correct temperature for frying to achieve a crispy exterior while ensuring the inside cooks evenly.
Knead the Dough Properly. Kneading the dough thoroughly helps develop gluten, which gives beignets their characteristic chewiness. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or knead the dough by hand until it’s smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise Properly. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving light and airy beignets. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Variations

While traditional Beignets are simply dusted with powdered sugar, you can get creative with your toppings and fillings to customize them to your liking:

Chocolate-filled Beignets– Inject a chocolate hazelnut spread or pastry cream into the center of each Beignet for an extra decadent treat.
Fruit-filled Beignets– Fill them with your favorite fruit jam or compote for a burst of fruity flavor.
Savory Beignets– Skip the powdered sugar and fill the Beignets with savory fillings like cheese, ham, or spinach for a savory twist on this classic pastry.

What To Serve With Beignets

Beignets are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of accompaniments to enhance the experience:

Coffee– Enjoy them alongside a hot cup of coffee for a classic New Orleans pairing.
Hot chocolate– Indulge with a mug of rich and creamy hot chocolate for a comforting treat.
Fruit compote– Serve them with a side of fruit compote or fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweet pastries.

How Long Do They Last?

Beignets are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. While you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, they are best enjoyed hot and fresh for the ultimate indulgence.

Can You Freeze Them?

While Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers for later enjoyment. Place the cooled Beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the Beignets to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month.

To reheat, simply place the frozen Beignets in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

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