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Crispy Puffy Beignets Recipe Easy Homemade Powdered Sugar Treats

crispy puffy beignets - featured image

A simple and quick recipe for crispy, airy beignets dusted generously with powdered sugar, perfect for a cozy homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • ½ cup (120ml) warm whole milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • About 4 cups vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut oil recommended)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C) with sugar and instant yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour and salt.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, warm milk, and melted butter.
  4. Form the dough: Add the foamy yeast mixture and wet ingredients to the dry mix. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Dust hands lightly with flour as needed.
  6. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  7. Prepare for frying: Punch down dough gently, roll out on floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
  8. Cut the dough: Slice dough into 2-inch squares. Let rest a few minutes before frying.
  9. Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature.
  10. Fry the beignets: Drop a few pieces at a time into hot oil. Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed. Use slotted spoon to flip and remove.
  11. Drain and dust: Place fried beignets on paper towels or wire rack to drain excess oil. Dust generously with powdered sugar while warm.
  12. Serve immediately: Enjoy fresh and hot for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt beignets. Let dough rest after cutting to relax gluten for better puffiness. Dust generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady. Best served fresh and warm. Leftovers can be stored up to 24 hours and reheated in oven to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: beignets, crispy beignets, homemade beignets, powdered sugar beignets, fried dough, New Orleans dessert, easy beignets, quick beignets