Description
Light, airy, and delightfully pillowy, these classic French beignets are fried to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. Inspired by Parisian cafés, they make an elegant and comforting treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in sugar, salt, vanilla extract, egg, and warm milk until well combined.
- Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, to form a soft dough.
- Knead in softened butter and continue kneading for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Roll dough out on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 2 to 3-inch squares.
- Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry beignets in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until puffed and golden.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
Beignets are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
For a twist, add orange zest or cinnamon to the dough.
You can fill beignets with pastry cream or jam after frying.
Dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
