These homemade beignets are incredible! Covered in cinnamon and sugar or powdered sugar, I can’t get enough of them.
They are perfect to eat for breakfast or brunch, or just as a snack throughout the day. And they are so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. If I can do it, you can do it. Let’s get started!
What are beignets?
Beignets are a type of French pastry, similar to a donut. Basically they are deep fried dough, usually covered in powdered sugar, or other common toppings like cinnamon and sugar, honey, and various fruit syrups.
They are quite popular in the French Quarter of New Orleans here in the United States. These are similar to the ones made in the Disney Movie, Princess and the Frog.
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
In order to make homemade beignets you need a handful of easy to find ingredients. You will need the following:
- Flour – All-purpose/plain flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- White granulated sugar
- Egg
- Water
- Vanilla extract
- Milk – Buttermilk or whole milk, but other milk will work as well.
- Oil for frying – Vegetable, canola, coconut, shortening, etc.
Step 2: How to make homemade beignets
Begin by filling a large pot or deep skillet with oil, so it is at least 1-inch deep. Place it on the burner of the stove and set the heat to medium. The ideal temp for the oil is 325 F/162 C. While the oil is heating up, it is time to make the beignet dough.
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar. Take a large bowl and whisk together the egg, water, vanilla extract and the buttermilk or milk.
Step 3: Finish the homemade beignets dough
To complete the dough, add the flour mixture a little at a time, whisking it in. Then switch to a wooden spoon as it gets thicker, eventually the dough will come together.
Pour the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 30 seconds or so then roll it out into a rough rectangle about 1/2 inch thick or so. The shape doesn’t really matter an oval is fine. Add more flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking.
Now take a knife or pizza cutter and cut the dough into roughly 2-inch squares. Set the squares of dough onto a plate and bring them over to the stovetop.
Step 4: How to cook beignets
Once the oil is up to temperature gently place 4 or 5 beignets into the hot oil. They will puff up and get golden brown, flip them over with tongs and cook the other side until golden brown. It will only take a minute or two per side.
Once completely golden brown remove the homemade beignets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to dry.
Step 5: Top and serve the beignets
Now it is time to cover those beignets in powdered sugar, cinnamon, and sugar, or syrup. Or there are a number of other toppings that you might want to try, especially fruit syrups to dip them in, etc. Enjoy!
How long do homemade beignets last?
While they are best fresh, they will last a few days in an airtight container in the fridge. The better option would be to save the extra dough and cook them when you want them so they are fresh. They can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds.
Here are some other recipes you may like:
Homemade Beignets
Equipment
- Bowls
- Whisk
- Fork
- pot
- Tongs
- Paper Towel
- Plate
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cup of All-purpose flour plain flour (330g)
- 2 tsp. baking powder 10g
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda 2g
- 1/2 tsp. of table salt 2g
- 1 tsp. of cinnamon 3g
- 1/3 cup of white granulated sugar 66g
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup of water 60ml
- 1 tsp. of vanilla extract 5ml
- 1 cup of buttermilk or whole milk 240ml
- oil for frying
Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Honey
- Cinnamon and sugar mix
- Maple syrup, fruit syrups, etc.
Instructions
- Pour enough oil into a large pot so it is about 1 inch deep. Set the heat to medium and heat the oil up to 325 F/162 C. Make the dough while the oil heats.
- In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Take a large bowl and add the egg, water, vanilla extract, and buttermilk and whisk to combine.
- Now add the flour mixture a bit of it at a time whisking it in with the egg mixture. Once it is too thick for the whisk, switch a wooden spoon. Keep adding the flour mixture until all combined and you are left with a nice soft dough.
- Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it for about 30 seconds. Then roll the dough out into a rough rectangle shape that is about 1/2 inches thick or so. Cut the dough into small 2-inch by 2-inch squares. Although you can make them as big or as small as you want. But that is a good size. Stack them on a plate.
- Now once the oil is at the correct temp, gently drop in 4 to 5 beignets. Cook them for a minute to 2 minutes per side until nice and golden brown. Don't overcrowd them. Remove them with tongs and place on a wire rack or plate with a paper towel to dry. Allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Time to finish them off. Sprinkle on heaps of powdered sugar, or dip them in a cinnamon and sugar mix, or serve them with maple syrup, or fruit syrup to dip them in. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Do you like this recipe? Please give it a rating and comment down below, I really appreciate it. If you make it tag me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmatt. Also, sign up for the newsletter so you wonβt miss out on any of my new posts and recipes.
Hello Matthew, Driving fown the road and my daughter β€ says…Hey mom remember on the movie Princess and the Frog ther were always making yhose things called benyays? I said um no? So i googled it and with my misspelling it brought me to your websiter ecipe and for a no fail you referred to the princess and frog movie…LOL. I knew then ee found the recipe…. Thank uou so much. How fun. They were delicious and we all thank you… Jeannie, Mom of 10
That is so awesome, Jeannie! π π Glad you found the recipe and made them and liked them. You are very welcome! π
I know my family would go crazy for this recipe!
Awesome, Katie! π
Delicious and easy to make. We served these for breakfast with homemade strawberry jam. SO SO good! Can’t wait to have them again.
So glad you made them and liked them! π
These were the next best thing to being able to travel to Louisiana to get them. Theyβre so good!
Awesome! π So glad you like them!