Classic New Orleans Beignets
Beignets are more than just a delightful treat; they’re a piece of culinary history steeped in the vibrant culture of New Orleans. These pillowy, deep-fried pastries are often enjoyed with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, making them a sweet indulgence that transports you to the lively streets of the French Quarter with every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, beignets are a comforting reminder of family gatherings and joyful celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply treating yourself on a lazy Sunday, these classic beignets will win over your heart and palate.
What sets these beignets apart is not just their fluffy interior and crispy exterior, but the warmth they bring when shared with loved ones. As you take a bite, the powdered sugar dusting will gently cloud your surroundings, creating an atmosphere of sweet celebration. You and your guests will revel in the irresistible flavor and warmth, making these beignets the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¾ cup Whole Milk
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Vegetable Oil – for deep frying (enough to fill your pot with about 2–3 inches of oil)
- Powdered Sugar – for generous dusting (about ½ to 1 cup, or just go wild)
Gather your ingredients for a delightful beignet-making experience!
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
- Lightly knead the dough on a floured surface 3-4 times until it comes together, then roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into 2-inch squares.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot until it reaches 360°F (182°C). Fry the beignet squares in batches until they are golden brown on each side, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Once fried, drain the beignets on paper towels and dust generously with powdered sugar right before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: If you are out of all-purpose flour, you can substitute with a gluten-free blend. Use almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version.
- Optional variations: For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients or infusing the milk with a hint of orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
- Storage or reheating tips: Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 beignets
- Difficulty level: Easy
Classic New Orleans Beignets
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.75 cups Whole Milk Can be substituted with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Vegetable Oil Enough to fill your pot with about 2–3 inches of oil.
- 0.5 to 1 cup Powdered Sugar For generous dusting before serving.
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
- Lightly knead the dough on a floured surface 3-4 times until it comes together, then roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into 2-inch squares.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot until it reaches 360°F (182°C).
- Fry the beignet squares in batches until they are golden brown on each side, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Once fried, drain the beignets on paper towels and dust generously with powdered sugar right before serving.