Easy Homemade Beignets Recipe– A Sweet Taste of New Orleans

If you’ve ever been to New Orleans, chances are you’ve tasted the famous beignets from the French Quarter. These fluffy, pillowy pastries, coated in powdered sugar, are a New Orleans classic. The good news is that you don’t have to travel to enjoy these sweet treats—you can make them right in your own kitchen!

This homemade beignet recipe is easy to follow and yields soft, light, and delicious pastries perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want a sweet indulgence. Let’s dive into how to make these mouthwatering French doughnuts from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go.
2. Make the Dough: Add the evaporated milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and about 2 cups of flour into the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until a dough forms. You may need a little extra flour to bring it all together, but try to keep the dough soft and sticky.
3. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, dust it with a bit more flour as you knead, but avoid adding too much.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Cut the Beignets: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares (about 2 to 3 inches in size). These will form the classic shape of beignets.
7. Fry the Beignets: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few squares of dough at a time into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Dust with Powdered Sugar: While the beignets are still hot, dust them generously with powdered sugar. You can even serve them in a paper bag, like they do in New Orleans, to get that authentic feel!
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade beignets warm, accompanied by a cup of coffee or café au lait. Enjoy the soft, sweet, and decadent treat with family and friends!

Conclusion:

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, sugary beignet. This recipe brings a taste of New Orleans right to your home with its soft, airy texture and delicious sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just craving something special, these homemade beignets are sure to impress. Serve them at your next gathering, or enjoy them as a sweet breakfast treat—either way, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Pro Tip: Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but they also freeze well. You can fry them ahead of time, let them cool, and freeze them for a quick reheat and powdered sugar dusting later.