Beignets - thestayathomechef.com

Attention all lovers of fluffy and sweet pastries! Indulge in the deliciousness of these classic New Orleans-style beignets that are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time in between. This recipe is easy to follow and will yield a scrumptious treat that will have you reaching for more.

Who doesn’t love a fluffy, sweet pastry that melts in your mouth with every bite? Beignets are one of those classic treats that everyone should experience at least once. And with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make them right in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a lazy weekend breakfast or treating your friends and family to a delicious dessert, these New Orleans-style beignets are the perfect choice. So put on some jazz music, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and get ready to savor every last bite of these delectable pastries.

A Brief History of Beignets

Beignets have been around for centuries and originated in France. They were introduced to New Orleans by French colonists and are now a staple in the city’s cuisine. Traditionally, beignets are served with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar and a cup of coffee, making them a perfect breakfast or dessert treat.

Dough Tips

Achieving the perfect dough consistency is key to making the perfect beignet. When making the dough, it’s important to add the flour slowly to ensure the dough is soft and tacky but not sticky. Use a dough hook when mixing the dough to get the perfect consistency. The dough should be pliable but not too dry, and it should rise until it doubles in size.

Air Fryer Instructions

For those who want to enjoy the taste of beignets without the added fat, using an air fryer is a great alternative to frying. After cutting the dough into pieces, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook the beignets at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best oil to use for frying beignets?

Vegetable oil is the best option for frying beignets. You can also use canola oil or peanut oil.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough to fry the beignets?

Use a thermometer to ensure that the oil is at 350°F before frying the beignets. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If the dough sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Can I make beignets without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can make the dough by hand, but it may take longer to get the dough to the right consistency. Just mix the ingredients in a large bowl with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together, then knead it on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.

Can I use a different type of flour besides all-purpose flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can try using bread flour or cake flour if that’s all you have on hand. Keep in mind that the texture of the beignets may be slightly different.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and fry the beignets later?

Yes! After the dough has risen, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry the beignets, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and cutting.

Overhead view of a pile of beignets on a dessert plate.

Freezer Instructions

To freeze beignets, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover beignets in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the beignets. To reheat, place the beignets in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds.

If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious dessert breakfast recipes:

Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.

A pair of tongs holding a beignet over the baking sheet.

Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk
1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons salted butter softened
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 quarts vegetable oil
3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and eggs. Add in flour. Use a dough hook and turn on to a low speed.
As the flour starts to incorporate into the dough, increase the speed to medium. Add more flour as needed until the dough is soft and tacky, but not sticky.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased mixing bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise until double in size, about 1 hour.
Pour enough vegetable oil into a pot to cover it with 2 inches of oil. Heat to 350 degrees F.
Take dough and divide it into 2 even pieces, this will be easier to work with. Roll each piece out into an oblong shape.
Using a pizza cutter or a knife, cut into about 16 pieces. Dust with flour and set aside, or place right into hot oil.
Fry the beignets for about 90 seconds on each side, or until they achieve a deep golden color. Remove them from the oil and place them on a baking rack or paper towel lined baking sheet to let some of the oil drain off.
Work in batches, frying only a few at a time to avoid crowding and to keep the oil temperature from dropping too much.
Dust the beignets with confectioners’ sugar while still warm, either by sprinkling the sugar over them or dipping them into a bowl full of confectioners’ sugar.
Serve and enjoy!