7 Steps to Perfect Classic French Beignets Recipe – Easy New Orleans Style Donuts

Master this classic French beignets recipe and bring New Orleans flavor to your kitchen! These authentic homemade French donuts are easier than you think.

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Introduction

The enchanting aroma of freshly fried dough and sweet vanilla fills the air as you bite into a warm, pillowy classic French beignets recipe. These delectable treats transport you straight to the charming streets of New Orleans with every bite. Originating in France and perfected in the French Quarter of New Orleans, beignets have become an iconic pastry that brings joy to breakfast tables and dessert plates worldwide.

This classic French beignets recipe creates not your ordinary donuts—they’re square pieces of yeasted dough that puff up gloriously when fried, creating airy pockets inside and a perfectly crisp exterior. Traditionally dusted with mountains of powdered sugar, our recipe adds a modern twist with a sweet vanilla glaze that takes these buttermilk beignets to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Whether you’re craving a taste of New Orleans or simply want to impress your family with a special breakfast treat, this classic French beignets recipe is surprisingly easy to make and absolutely worth the effort. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that combines French tradition with New Orleans soul!

Why You’ll Love This Classic French Beignets Recipe

• No special equipment needed – Just basic kitchen tools to create bakery-quality treats!
• Perfect balance of flavors – The tangy buttermilk dough with sweet vanilla glaze creates an irresistible combination.
• Impressive but achievable – This classic French beignets recipe looks like you spent hours, but comes together more easily than you’d think.
• Customizable – Can be topped with traditional powdered sugar or glazed for a modern twist.
• Transport yourself to New Orleans – Experience the iconic Café du Monde flavor right in your own kitchen.
• Great for brunch or dessert – Versatile enough for morning coffee or after-dinner treat.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare the dough the night before for fresh beignets in the morning.
• Guaranteed to impress – Watch faces light up with the first bite of these pillowy delights!

Ingredients for Classic French Beignets Recipe

For the Buttermilk Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For a traditional twist: Skip the glaze and use 2 cups of powdered sugar for dusting.

Alternative dietary options: For a gluten-free beignet, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of buttermilk and plant-based butter.

How to Make Classic French Beignets Recipe – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the warm buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the remaining cup of flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
2. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Pro tip: For even better flavor, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise.

Step 3: Shape the Beignets

1. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and roll to 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
3. Place the cut dough on a floured baking sheet and cover loosely with a towel.
4. Allow to rest for 30 minutes while you prepare for frying.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

1. In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F.
2. Carefully drop 3-4 beignets into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd.
3. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Glaze or Dust with Sugar

1. For glazed beignets: Mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
2. Dip each warm beignet into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
3. Place on a wire rack to set.
4. For traditional beignets: Place warm beignets in a paper bag with powdered sugar and shake gently to coat.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Classic French Beignets Recipe

• Watch the oil temperature carefully – Too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through; too cool and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Use a thermometer for precise oil temperature control – 350°F is the sweet spot for perfect beignets.
• Don’t overwork the dough – Handle it gently for the fluffiest texture.
• Roll to the right thickness – 1/2 inch is ideal; too thin and they won’t puff properly.
• Rest the cut dough before frying – This 30-minute rest helps them puff up even more.
• Make the glaze ahead – Prepare while the beignets are frying so it’s ready when they’re hot.
• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, but add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
• What if I don’t have a thermometer? Test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in – it should bubble immediately and rise to the surface.

Best Ways to Serve Classic French Beignets Recipe

This classic French beignets recipe creates treats that are traditionally served hot and fresh, but there are many delicious ways to enjoy these pillowy delights:

• Serve with a strong cup of coffee or café au lait for an authentic New Orleans experience
• Pair with fresh berries for a beautiful breakfast presentation
• Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent dessert
• Create a beignet bar with different toppings like cinnamon sugar, caramel sauce, or Nutella
• For a special brunch, serve alongside mimosas or Bloody Marys
• Make mini beignets for an elegant dessert platter at parties

The contrast between the warm, soft beignet and your beverage of choice creates a perfect harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist!

Nutritional Information for Classic French Beignets Recipe

(Per beignet with glaze)

• Calories: 175 kcal
• Carbs: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat:.5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 95mg
• Sugar: 13g

Remember that these are special treats to be enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet. You can reduce the sugar content by using less glaze or powdered sugar if desired.

Storage & Leftovers

The beignets from this classic French beignets recipe are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you have leftovers:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Not recommended as it changes the texture.
• Freezer: Unglazed beignets can be frozen for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore some freshness.
• Make ahead: The dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise for fresh beignets in the morning.

How long do homemade beignets last? For the best taste and texture, enjoy within 24 hours, though they’ll remain edible for 2-3 days at room temperature.

FAQs for Classic French Beignets Recipe

Can I make the beignet dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. The slow rise in the refrigerator actually enhances the flavor. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.

What’s the difference between beignets and regular donuts?

Beignets are traditionally square-shaped with no hole, while most American donuts are round with a hole in the middle. Classic French donuts also typically have a lighter, more pillowy texture than regular donuts and are served fresh and hot rather than being made in advance.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives the authentic texture, you can bake them at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for a lighter version. They won’t be traditional beignets, but they’ll still be delicious. You can also try air-frying at 350°F for 5-6 minutes with a light spray of oil.

Why did my beignets deflate after frying?

This usually happens when the oil temperature is too low. Make sure to maintain 350°F throughout the frying process. Also, avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature too much.

Related Recipes

If you love this classic French beignets recipe, you might also enjoy these delicious treats:

• Easy Homemade Cake Donuts – A quicker alternative with no yeast required!
• Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Glaze – Another delicious fried dough treat with fall flavors.
• New Orleans Bread Pudding – Continue your culinary tour of the Big Easy with this classic dessert.
• French Crêpes with Nutella – Another beloved French breakfast treat that’s easier than you think.
• Southern Buttermilk Pancakes – If you love the tang of buttermilk in these beignets, try it in fluffy pancakes too!

Conclusion

This classic French beignets recipe brings a taste of New Orleans right to your kitchen, combining French culinary tradition with American innovation. The pillowy soft interior, crisp exterior, and sweet glaze create an irresistible treat that’s perfect for special breakfasts, brunches, or anytime you want to add a little celebration to your day.

What makes this classic French beignets recipe so special is not just the delicious taste, but the joy these treats bring when shared with family and friends. There’s something magical about the moment when warm, freshly fried dough meets sweet glaze or powdered sugar—it transforms ordinary moments into memories.

Now that you know how to make the best classic French beignets recipe at home, we’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you go traditional with powdered sugar or modern with glaze? Share your beignet adventures in the comments below!

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