Name: Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: ¾ cup water (lukewarm); 2¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (1 envelope); ¼ cup sugar; 1 large egg; ½ cup milk; 3½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); Vegetable oil (enough for 3 inches deep frying); Powdered sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a pillow-soft treat dusted with a snowy sprinkle of sugar, then this Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe is just what you need. These classic French doughnuts are irresistibly light, fluffy, and golden-fried—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want a little indulgence.

A pile of about thirty golden brown, rectangular pastries with puffed, slightly uneven surfaces sit closely packed on a black cooling rack. Each pastry is dusted with white powdered sugar, creating a light, speckled contrast on the warm orange-brown crusts. The cooling rack is placed on a white marbled surface which also has some scattered powdered sugar around it. The pastries look crisp on the outside with small air pockets in the dough. 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 with Powdered Sugar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore making these beignets at home because they remind me of the lively cafés in New Orleans, but with the ease and comfort of my own kitchen. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why these crispy, airy treats quickly win hearts.

Simple ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
Perfect texture: Crispy on the outside, pillowy soft inside every single time.
Fun process: Rolling, cutting, and frying – it’s hands-on and delightful.
Versatile treat: Ideal for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even a sweet dessert.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, here's a quick look at what you'll need and why each ingredient is important. When shopping, remember to grab fresh yeast and quality butter for the best flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of lukewarm water, a small white ceramic bowl with active dry yeast granules, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small white ceramic bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl holding softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of vegetable oil, and a small white ceramic bowl sprinkled with powdered sugar, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed 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

Water: Lukewarm water helps activate the yeast, waking it up gently for a perfect rise.
Active Dry Yeast: The lifeblood of the dough, responsible for that fluffy texture you’re after.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the fried dough.
Egg: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
Milk: Enhances tenderness and flavor, making the dough soft inside.
All-purpose Flour: Provides the right texture and chewiness to support the beignet’s shape.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness without extra saltiness.
Vegetable Oil: Chosen for frying because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Powdered Sugar: The classic finishing touch for dusting, putting the crowning sweetness on these treats.

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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 joys of baking Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe is how adaptable they are to your personal taste. Whether you want to try a twist on the classic or cater to different dietary needs, these fluffy squares are a perfect blank canvas!

Chocolate-Dusted Beignets: I love adding a little cocoa powder to my powdered sugar dusting for a subtle chocolate kick that pairs beautifully with the crispy exterior.
Gluten-Free Version: For friends with gluten sensitivities, substitute the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free blend—just note the texture might be slightly different, but still delightful.
Cinnamon Sugar Beignets: Swap powdered sugar for a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar for a warm, cozy flavor that's especially nice in colder months.
Fruit-Filled Beignets: Try spooning a little fruit jam or Nutella between two squares before frying for a luscious surprise inside.
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and a flax egg substitute to make your beignets vegan-friendly—still just as crispy and fluffy!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe

The image shows four golden-brown fried square pastries on a white ornate plate with powdered sugar lightly dusted on top. One pastry is placed on top of the others, broken open to reveal a soft, fluffy, and slightly airy white inside. In the background, more pastries are on a black cooling rack and on the white marbled surface, some also dusted with powdered sugar. The surface has a light scattering of powdered sugar, adding texture and detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Activate the Yeast for Perfect Rise

Start by combining ¾ cup of lukewarm water with 2¼ teaspoons (one envelope) of active dry yeast and ¼ cup of sugar in a small bowl. Whisk gently to blend and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture froths up and looks bubbly—that lively yeast activity is what gives your beignets their airy texture.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Once the yeast is nicely foamy, whisk in 1 large egg and ½ cup milk until everything is smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, tender base for your dough.

Step 3: Prepare and Knead the Dough

In the bowl of your stand mixer, sift together 3½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Add in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the dough pulls together and cleans the sides of the bowl. This usually takes a few minutes—your dough should feel smooth but still slightly tacky to the touch.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Remove your dough and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, then let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about 1 hour. This slow rise develops the flavor and creates beignets that are light as air.

Step 5: Shape into Squares

Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¾ inch thick. Cut this rectangle into long strips, then slice those strips into individual squares—these will become your classic beignets. This is a fun step where you can decide how big or small you want your treats!

Step 6: Get Your Oil Ready for Frying

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or Dutch oven until it’s about 3 inches deep. Heat the oil to exactly 350°F (177°C) — this temperature is crucial to achieve that perfect crispy outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Use a thermometer for best results.

Step 7: Fry Those Golden Squares

Carefully drop 5-6 beignet squares into the hot oil at a time. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes per batch, turning occasionally to get all sides beautifully golden brown. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Dust Generously and Serve Warm

While they’re still warm, liberally sprinkle your beignets with powdered sugar. The sweetness melts slightly on contact, creating that classic snowy finish. Serve immediately for the best experience—these Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe are pure bliss fresh out of the fryer!

Top Tip

Mastering the art of Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe is all about attention to detail — from the dough rise to the frying temperature. Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your beignets turn out perfectly every time.

Perfect Oil Temperature: Keeping your frying oil at a steady 350°F (177°C) is key. Too low and your beignets soak up oil, too hot and they brown too fast without cooking through. Use a candy thermometer to monitor this!
Don’t Rush the Rise: I learned that giving the dough a full hour to double creates that fluffy, airy texture you expect from great beignets. Rushing this step results in dense treats.
Even Cutting: Cut your dough into uniform squares about ¾ inch thick. This helps the beignets cook evenly and come out uniformly golden and crispy.
Drain Properly: Letting the fried beignets rest on paper towels is a simple step but vital to avoid soggy finishes. It quickly drains excess oil and keeps the outside crispy.

How to Serve Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe

The image shows two clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface, each containing dough at different stages. The bowl on the left has a single, round ball of rough, light beige dough with a slightly uneven texture and small cracks on its surface, sitting in the middle of the bowl. The bowl on the right holds the same dough but it has risen, filling almost the whole bowl with a light, airy texture full of small bubbles and a pale yellow-beige color. Both bowls have a simple, smooth rim, and the scene is bright and well lit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While a generous dusting of powdered sugar is classic and irresistible, you can add some fun twists! Try sprinkling cinnamon sugar, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even drizzle a light glaze of chocolate or caramel. Fresh berries or a side of fruit preserves also make delightful garnishes that balance the richness.

Side Dishes

Crispy beignets are perfect alongside a steaming cup of café au lait or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast or snack. For a heartier brunch, serve with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to brighten the plate. They also pair wonderfully with creamy vanilla ice cream or whipped cream when served as a dessert treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, place the cooled beignets in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but honestly, they’re best enjoyed the day they’re made for the crispiest texture.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooled beignets on a baking sheet in a single layer and flash freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen beignets keep well for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or frozen beignets by warming them briefly in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore that crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If using instant or rapid-rise yeast, you can mix it directly into the flour without dissolving it first in water. This can speed up your prep time slightly.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?

Use a candy or deep-frying thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350°F (177°C). If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly without browning too fast, you’re good to go.

Why did my beignets turn out greasy?

This usually happens if the oil temperature is too low or the beignets stayed too long in the oil. Always monitor the temperature carefully and avoid overcrowding the pan for even frying.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise an additional 30 minutes before shaping and frying.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—there’s something magical about biting into that golden, crispy shell giving way to soft, pillowy insides. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a sweet treat for friends, these beignets bring a little slice of Parisian charm right to your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, bring out that frying pan, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits!