New Orleans Style Beignets
Beignets are light, yeasted fried doughnuts dusted heavily with powdered sugar — a staple of New Orleans café culture. The dough needs about an hour to rise before frying, and the squares puff up fast in hot oil. Serve them fresh and warm, ideally alongside a strong cup of coffee.
Equipment
- Deep fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- ¾ cup warm water about 110°F
- 1 package active dry yeast or 2 1/4 teaspoons
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 whole large egg beaten
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 bottle vegetable oil for deep frying
- 1 pinch powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add granulated sugar, egg, and evaporated milk. Beat until well combined.
- Mix the Dough: Add 2 cups of flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the remaining flour and softened butter, mixing until the dough forms a ball.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough to a 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife. Place the squares on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with a cloth, allowing them to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Fry the Beignets: Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 360°F (182°C). Fry the beignets in batches, turning occasionally, until they are puffed and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Dust and Serve: Dust the hot beignets generously with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a spiced variation, add a pinch of cinnamon to the powdered sugar before dusting.
- Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- For an added twist, serve with a side of chocolate or caramel dip.
Nutrition
Calories: 183kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 110mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 84IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg
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