If you’ve ever dreamt of biting into a warm, fluffy treat dusted with a snowy blanket of powdered sugar, this Crispy Beignets Recipe will absolutely make your day. These golden, pillowy squares are your ticket straight to the heart of New Orleans right from your own kitchen.

A woman's hand is holding a piece of soft, brown pastry covered in white powdered sugar, dipping it into a white cup filled with light brown coffee or caramel sauce. The cup is placed on a white saucer with a copper-colored band at the bottom. On the saucer, there are two more pieces of the same pastry, both dusted generously with powdered sugar. In the background, slightly out of focus, is a white plate with a stack of similar pastries also covered in powdered sugar, resting on a white cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Beignets Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Beignets Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Beignets Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember my first attempt at making these beignets — lots of flour everywhere, a sticky dough, and the heavenly smell of frying dough filling the house. This recipe captures all of that magic without any fuss.

Authentic Flavor: Experience the classic French Quarter café vibe with every chewy, crispy bite.
Simple Ingredients: No tricky or hard-to-find items, just basics you likely have on hand.
Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, pillowy soft inside – the hallmark of great beignets.
Fun & Rewarding: Fried treats are a joy to make, and even more fun to eat with friends and family.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get started, make sure you have fresh, good-quality ingredients. For a dough this delicate, every component plays a key role, so here’s a quick rundown on why each is essential for the perfect beignets.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of warm whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of active dry yeast with some foam on top, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter with a golden hue, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with powdered sugar, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed to create that tender yet sturdy dough perfect for frying.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the powdered sugar coating.
Warm whole milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough rich and soft.
Active dry yeast: Gives the dough that beautiful rise and lightness.
Large egg: Helps bind ingredients together, adding softness.
Melted butter: Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
Vegetable oil: Needed for frying – choose one with a high smoke point for perfect golden results.
Powdered sugar: The classic finishing touch that makes beignets so addictively sweet and pretty.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Beignets Recipe is how adaptable it is! Whether you want to add a personal twist or tweak it for special dietary needs, these pillowy treats invite creativity. Let’s explore some variations that can make this classic New Orleans favorite your own.

Gluten-Free Twist: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once, and while the texture was a little different, the sweet, soft beignets still stole the show. Just be sure to pick a mix suited for yeast doughs and watch the dough consistency closely.
Seasonal Flavors: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough works wonders during fall and winter. I love sprinkling a little powdered cocoa or pumpkin pie spice in the powdered sugar coating for an extra festive spin.
Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based milk plus vegan butter. I’ve found the dough takes a bit longer to rise, but the crispy exterior and tender inside remain delightfully intact.
Filled Beignets: For a decadent change, try spooning in jam, chocolate, or Nutella before frying. Just pinch the edges tightly to avoid any leaks, and enjoy your filled surprise!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Beignets Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled halfway with white powdered sugar holds a golden-brown square fried dough piece resting on the sugar, while three more similar fried dough pieces sit on a metal cooling rack on a baking tray nearby. The scene includes a white pot with liquid on a stove with black grates, and the background shows white subway tiles with dark grout. The overall setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mixing the Foundation

Start by combining your dry ingredients—flour, kosher salt, and most of the sugar—in the stand mixer bowl with the paddle attachment. In a separate bowl, mix warm whole milk (about 100°F) with active dry yeast and the remaining sugar until it foams up, signaling that your yeast is nicely activated. This gentle bubbling is your green light to proceed!

Step 2: Bringing the Dough Together

Beat an egg into the foamy yeast mixture, then pour it into the dry ingredients. Mix on low or medium-low speed just until a wet dough with some shaggy dry bits forms—this usually takes from 30 seconds to a minute and a half. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rough at this point; that perfect texture is coming!

Step 3: Adding Butter and Kneading

Switch from the paddle to the dough hook attachment, then add your melted butter. Mix again on medium-low until the butter fully integrates—about a minute. Next, crank the speed up to medium or medium-high and knead your dough for around six minutes. You’re aiming for a dough that’s tacky but easy to handle, full of promise for those fluffy beignets.

Step 4: First Rise – Let Patience Work Its Magic

Shape your dough into a ball and nestle it in a greased bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. This slow rise develops the dough’s flavor and gives those beignets their airy texture.

Step 5: Preparing for the Fry

Pour 1 ½ to 2 quarts of vegetable oil into a large pot and heat to 325°F. While the oil warms, cover a baking sheet with a cooling rack and set it nearby along with tongs and your bowl of powdered sugar. These prep steps make the frying rhythm smooth and mess-free.

Step 6: Rolling and Cutting

Once your dough has doubled, turn it out onto a generously floured surface. Roll it into a 10 by 14-inch oblong about ¼ inch thick. Cut into 16 rectangles—don’t aim for perfection here; rustic shapes add charm! Cover them lightly with a flour-dusted towel and let them rest while the oil reaches temperature.

Step 7: Frying to Golden Perfection

Fry the dough pieces in batches for 1 ½ to 2 minutes per side until they puff and turn golden brown. Use your tongs or a frying spider to transfer the beignets to the cooling rack, letting excess oil drip off. This brief drain keeps them crispy but not greasy.

Step 8: The Sweet Finale – Powdered Sugar Coat

While the beignets are still warm but not oily, toss them gently in the powdered sugar bowl, ensuring every inch is coated in sweet bliss. Repeat with the remaining pieces. Serve immediately with a generous extra dusting of powdered sugar and a hot cup of coffee to capture that authentic New Orleans café vibe.

Top Tip

Mastering the art of this Crispy Beignets Recipe means paying close attention to a few key details. These tips will help you get golden, pillowy beignets every time, just like your favorite New Orleans café.

Consistent Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil at a steady 325°F is key. I always use a good thermometer to avoid greasy or undercooked beignets, and it really makes a difference in both texture and flavor.
Gentle Dough Handling: When rolling and cutting your dough, be delicate to keep that tender texture intact. Overworking can make the dough tough—something I learned the hard way!
Coating Timing: Coat your beignets in powdered sugar right after they’ve drained for about a minute but before they cool down too much. This way, the sugar sticks perfectly without melting into greasiness.
Overnight Rise: If you have time, letting your dough rise overnight in the fridge enhances flavor and gives you a more nuanced dough that's easier to shape. Avoid rushing this step for best results.

How to Serve Crispy Beignets Recipe

A white plate holds a pile of about ten small square pastries, each coated thickly with white powdered sugar that gives a soft, dusty look. The pastries are light golden brown under the sugar in some spots, showing a slightly rough, doughy texture. They are stacked unevenly, with some resting on top of others, creating a small mountain of square shapes. The background shows a soft, light color with a simple, clean look, and the surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While the traditional generously powdered sugar coating is classic and delicious, you can jazz things up with a few garnishes. A dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder adds warmth and depth. For a festive touch, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or serve with fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Side Dishes

These beignets shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of rich, hot coffee—New Orleans style, perhaps with chicory. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness and create a satisfying breakfast or snack spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beignets should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a day to preserve their crispy exterior and soft inside.

Freezing

If you want to keep beignets longer, freeze them after frying and cooling completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer to harden, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They can keep for up to 1 month and be fried or reheated as needed.

Reheating

To reheat and refresh your beignets, I recommend a toaster oven at medium heat until warm and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. A quick 3-5 minute toast brings back some of that freshly fried magic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead this dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it's tacky but manageable. Just be patient and gentle to develop the right texture.

Why is maintaining 325°F oil temperature important?

Keeping the oil steady at 325°F ensures the beignets cook evenly without absorbing too much oil. Too low and they become greasy; too high and they burn on the outside before cooking through.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! Allow the dough to rise slowly overnight in the refrigerator. This deepens the flavor and makes the dough easier to handle the next day, making your beignets even more delicious.

How should I store leftover beignets?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within a day. For longer storage, freeze the cooled beignets in a single layer before transferring to a bag, and reheat with a toaster oven.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of making your own Crispy Beignets Recipe at home — from mixing the yeasty dough to frying up those golden pillows and coating them in snowy powdered sugar. It’s a little slice of New Orleans magic that you can enjoy any time. So, roll up your sleeves, heat that oil just right, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting, sweet indulgence. Trust me, once you've mastered these beignets, you’ll be making them again and again!