If you have a soft spot for melt-in-your-mouth treats that transport you straight to a cozy café on a sunny afternoon, then this Classic Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe is your new best friend. These delightful, pillowy squares of fried dough, dusted generously with powdered sugar, carry the perfect balance of crispy outside and fluffy inside. They’re one of those timeless indulgences that turn a simple snack into a celebration, filled with warmth, comfort, and a touch of New Orleans magic right in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a four-step process of dough preparation. The first layer has smooth, light beige dough with a soft texture flowing from a mixer’s white attachment into a shiny silver mixing bowl on a white marbled surface. The second layer shows the dough has risen and become puffy, filling a white bowl evenly with a smooth and soft top. The third layer captures a woman's hand holding a white-handled pizza cutter cutting the dough into strips on a flat light beige dough sheet speckled with tiny dark spots on a white marbled surface. The fourth layer displays many small, square dough pieces placed individually on white parchment paper on a silver baking tray with a white marbled surface background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Classic Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe lies not only in the taste but in how effortlessly the ingredients come together. Each one plays an essential role, from the fluffiness contributed by the yeast to the subtle richness of butter and eggs, culminating in a wonderfully textured treat that’s hard to resist.

110 g Whole milk (lukewarm): Warm milk activates the yeast and gives the dough softness.
50 g Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the powdered sugar topping.
12.5 g Fresh yeast: Or substitute with 1.5 teaspoons (5g) instant yeast; it’s the secret behind that wonderful rise and airiness.
1 Egg yolk (room temperature): Enriches the dough, making it tender and adding color.
1 Egg (room temperature): Provides structure and helps bind everything beautifully.
250 g Bread flour: High protein content flour, or all-purpose flour as a substitute, ensures a dough that holds together while being soft.
¼ teaspoon Salt: Balances flavor and strengthens the dough’s gluten network.
60 g Unsalted butter (soft): Adds richness and an irresistible melt-in-the-mouth texture.
1.5 liters Vegetable or Canola oil (for frying): Neutral oil perfect for crisp, golden beignets without overpowering their flavor.
60 g Powdered sugar: The classic finishing touch that melts slightly on warm beignets creating a delicate sweetness.

How to Make Classic Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by mixing the sugar with lukewarm milk, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Finding a warm spot in your kitchen helps the yeast wake up and foam within 10 minutes – this is key to achieving those perfectly airy beignets.

Step 2: Combine Yeast Mixture with Eggs

Place the foamy yeast mixture in your stand mixer fitted with a kneading hook. Add the whole egg and egg yolk, blending everything until incorporated. This step sets the foundation for a smooth, elastic dough.

Step 3: Add Flour and Salt

Next, mix in the dry ingredients – bread flour and salt. Knead until the dough just begins to come together, preparing it for the magic of butter addition next.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter Slowly

Add softened butter piece by piece as you continue kneading on medium-high speed for about 10 minutes. The dough will turn shiny and elastic, no longer sticky, signaling it’s ready for its first rise.

Step 5: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel. Let it rest in the fridge overnight for perfect flavor development or at room temperature for 1-2 hours if you’re short on time.

Step 6: Knock Out the Air and Roll

After rising, deflate the dough gently and knead it briefly. Roll it out onto a lightly floured surface until about a quarter-inch thick. Cut into roughly 6 cm (2.5-inch) squares using a pizza wheel or sharp knife.

Step 7: Proof the Beignets

Place the squares on parchment paper and let them proof again at room temperature for 1-2 hours until nicely puffed. This second rise is crucial for those signature fluffy pockets inside.

Step 8: Fry to Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil to 180°C (356°F). Fry the beignets in batches of 6-8, ensuring they have room to float and puff. Cook for about 1.5 minutes per side until golden brown and irresistibly crispy.

Step 9: Powder and Serve

Drain your fried beignets on a wire rack lined with paper towels. While still warm, toss them in powdered sugar so they’re perfectly coated and ready to delight your taste buds.

How to Serve Classic Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe

The image shows several small, square-shaped golden fried pastries arranged in a dark wooden box, with a close-up piece showing a light, airy inside texture. The pastries are sprinkled with powdered sugar on top, giving a contrast of white dust over the golden brown crust. One pastry is placed inside a white round bowl filled with powdered sugar, and another piece is half-dipped in the bowl, highlighting the fluffy interior. More pastries are scattered around the white marbled surface, adding depth to the scene. The overall look is warm and inviting, focused on the soft texture and light dusting of sugar photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Although powdered sugar is the star garnish of this Classic Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe, you can always sprinkle a hint of cinnamon or drizzle homemade chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence. Fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa powder can also elevate these beauties to a festive treat.

Side Dishes

Beignets are wonderfully versatile. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, café au lait, or even freshly brewed tea for a quintessential experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, a small bowl of fruit compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a lovely accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, stack beignets in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin. You can serve them family-style dusted lightly with powdered sugar and let everyone dive in, creating an inviting, warm atmosphere perfect for any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Fresh is always best with beignets, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled to keep them from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze unfried, cut beignet dough squares by placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. This is a perfect way to prepare in advance.

Reheating

Reheat fried beignets gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast?

Absolutely! You can substitute 12.5 g fresh yeast with 1.5 teaspoons (5 g) of instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Why do my beignets turn out dense instead of fluffy?

Dense beignets usually result from insufficient rising time or not activating the yeast correctly. Make sure your kitchen is warm enough to let the yeast foam and give the dough adequate time to rise fully before frying.

What’s the best oil for frying beignets?

Vegetable or canola oil is ideal because of their high smoke point and neutral flavor, which supports even frying and golden color without imparting any unwanted taste.

Can I make these beignets gluten-free?

Traditional beignets rely on gluten for structure, but you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flours that contain xanthan gum. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, and the dough may be trickier to handle.

How soon should I eat these beignets after frying?

Beignets are best enjoyed fresh and warm right after frying and dusting with powdered sugar. That’s when they’re at their crispiest outside and softest inside—the true magic of this Classic Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Diving into this Classic Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe is like inviting a little joy into your kitchen that’s best shared with loved ones. The combination of simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and absolutely scrumptious results make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Treat yourself to these airy, sweet pillows of happiness and watch how quickly they become a cherished classic in your home.