Name: Crispy Beignets Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: ¾ cup lukewarm water; 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 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 (for frying); Powdered sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Imagine biting into a perfectly light, airy square of fried dough dusted generously with powdered sugar — that’s exactly what you get with this Crispy Beignets Recipe. Whether for breakfast or a sweet ending to your day, these classic French treats never disappoint.

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 Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Beignets Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Beignets Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made beignets from scratch more times than I can count, and trust me, there’s something so satisfying about frying up these golden pillows at home. They bring that authentic café vibe right to your kitchen.

Classic French Flavor: Captures that irresistible taste you’d find in New Orleans or Paris perfectly.
Light and Airy Texture: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside — the perfect contrast.
Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Great for Sharing: Makes about 32 beignets, ideal for a brunch or dessert crowd.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a quick peek at the ingredients. They’re simple but crucial for getting that classic beignet texture and flavor. I always recommend fresh yeast and real butter for the best taste, plus make sure your frying oil is at just the right temperature!

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

Active Dry Yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise and your beignets light and fluffy.
Water (Lukewarm): Activates the yeast gently without killing it.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the fried dough.
Egg: Helps bind everything and adds richness.
Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to that tender crumb inside.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base of your dough, providing structure.
Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
Unsalted Butter (Softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, must be neutral and reach 350°F for perfect crispiness.
Powdered Sugar: The signature sweet dusting that makes beignets truly irresistible.

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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

The beauty of this Crispy Beignets Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is. Whether you want to infuse flavors inspired by the season or tweak it for dietary preferences, there’s plenty of room to make these treats truly your own.

Chocolate-Stuffed Beignets: When I first tried slipping a small piece of dark chocolate into each square before frying, the molten chocolate center was an irresistible surprise that made every bite even more decadent.
Gluten-Free Version: By swapping in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensuring the dough holds together, I was able to enjoy these with friends who avoid gluten—still light, crispy, and utterly satisfying.
Fruit-Infused Dough: Adding a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough adds a delightful hint of citrus that brightens up the classic flavor.
Spiced Sugars: Try dusting the beignets with powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle twist that’s perfect in the fall.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Beignets 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 to Get That Perfect Rise

Start by combining ¾ cup of lukewarm water, 2¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast, and ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl. Give it a gentle whisk so the ingredients start mingling, then set it aside for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is ready when the surface turns frothy and bubbly—this is the magic that gives your beignets their airy lift!

Step 2: Blend in the Wet Ingredients

Next, whisk 1 large egg and ½ cup milk into your now frothy yeast mixture until everything is smooth and fully combined. This mixture not only adds flavor but also keeps your dough tender and soft.

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together

In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix 3½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Pour in your yeast mixture and add 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Attach the dough hook and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, pulling away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. This usually takes a few minutes, so be patient—this step is key to that perfect texture!

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise Until Puffy and Doubled

Transfer your dough to an oiled bowl, covering it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour until it’s doubled in size and wonderfully puffy. If you want to speed this up, placing it inside a turned-off oven warmed to 200°F (93°C) creates a cozy rising environment.

Step 5: Shape Your Beignets

Roll out the dough into a long rectangle about ¾ inch thick. Then, slice it into long strips before cutting those strips crosswise into squares—the classic beignet shape. This is where your knife skills help make them look picture-perfect!

Step 6: Heat Up That Oil to 350°F (177°C)

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or Dutch oven to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat it to 350°F (177°C), using a thermometer to be exact—this temperature ensures your beignets get that crispy golden crust without soaking up too much oil. Test the heat by frying one beignet first; it should bubble up and cook quickly.

Step 7: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Fry 5 to 6 beignets at a time, turning them to brown evenly—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch closely as they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. This part smells heavenly and is so rewarding!

Step 8: Drain and Dust with Sugar

Remove the hot beignets and place them on a paper towel-lined bowl to drain excess oil. While they’re still warm, generously sprinkle powdered sugar on top for that classic finish. Serve immediately for the ultimate experience—the contrast of crisp outside and fluffy inside is unbeatable.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Beignets Recipe is all about patience and attention to detail. These tips come from hands-on experience to help you get those light, airy, golden delights just right every time.

Perfect Oil Temperature: Always heat your frying oil to exactly 350°F (177°C). If it’s too cool, the beignets will soak up oil and become greasy; too hot and they’ll burn outside before cooking through inside.
Patience with Rising: Give your dough a full 1 hour rise in a warm spot. Rushing this step means dense beignets—not the soft and fluffy treat you’re craving.
Use Powdered Sugar Generously: Sprinkle generously and while beignets are still warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that’s classic to French-style beignets.
Test One First: Fry one beignet initially to check oil temperature and frying speed. This simple step saves you from a batch that’s too oily or undercooked.

How to Serve Crispy Beignets 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 classic beignets are traditionally dusted with powdered sugar, you can elevate them with a variety of garnishes. Fresh berries, a light drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar add delightful twists. For a festive touch, try dipping them in a warm fruit compote or serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream.

Side Dishes

Crispy beignets shine as a delightful sweet breakfast or dessert. Pair them with strong, rich coffee like a café au lait or espresso for an authentic French experience. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt. At dessert time, they’re delicious next to vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover beignets (though they rarely last long!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To maintain their signature crispiness, avoid refrigeration as it can cause them to become soggy.

Freezing

Beignets freeze well if you’d like to prepare in advance. Let them cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover beignets in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them chewy and soggy. A quick reheat in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat also works well.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! You can substitute instant or rapid-rise yeast for active dry yeast. If you use instant yeast, you don’t need to dissolve it in water first; just mix it directly into the flour with the other dry ingredients.

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

The best way is to use a thermometer and heat the oil to 350°F (177°C). If you don’t have one, fry a small piece of dough first; it should bubble and turn golden brown within about 2 to 3 minutes.

Why are my beignets dense instead of fluffy?

Dense beignets usually mean the dough didn’t rise enough. Make sure to let your dough double in size during the 1-hour rising time in a warm spot, and avoid rushing that step.

Can I make beignets ahead of time?

You can make the dough ahead, refrigerate it after the first rise, then shape and fry beignets the next day. Alternatively, you can freeze cooked beignets and reheat as needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, fluffy beignet dusted with powdered sugar—a little piece of French tradition that brings sunshine to any morning or sweetness to any evening. With this Crispy Beignets Recipe in your baking arsenal, you’re all set to create moments of joy for yourself and your loved ones. Happy frying, and enjoy every delicious bite!