Name: Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar 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 (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, about 3 inches deep); Powdered sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

If you’re craving a sweet, airy treat that melts in your mouth, you’re going to love this Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe. These classic French-style fried pastries bring that perfect balance of lightness and crispiness right to your kitchen.

A group of about 25 small golden brown pillows is stacked on a black cooling rack. Each pillow has a soft, slightly puffy texture with a light dusting of white powdered sugar all over. They rest on a surface with a white marbled texture, which is also scattered with powdered sugar, adding a snowy effect around the edges. The pillows have a warm color that contrasts well with the bright white sugar. 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 with Powdered Sugar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I get so excited every time I make these beignets. There's something magical about watching simple ingredients transform into golden, puffy pillows dusted with snowy powdered sugar. It feels like a little celebration with every bite!

Perfectly airy texture: The active dry yeast ensures the dough rises just right, giving you those irresistible fluffy interiors.
Golden crispy crust: Deep frying at the right temperature locks in crunch while keeping them light inside.
Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together to make something truly special without any fuss.
Versatile treat: Enjoy these beignets for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack anytime cravings hit.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to gather fresh ingredients. Using lukewarm water for the yeast activation and softened butter really makes a difference in the dough’s rise and texture. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each one is important.

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 fresh milk, a mound of fresh all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small square piece of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vegetable oil, and a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged with balanced layout and symmetry 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

Lukewarm water: Activates the yeast gently without killing it, crucial for a good rise.
Active dry yeast: The magic behind that fluffy, airy texture we all love in beignets.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
Milk: Contributes moisture and tenderness to the dough.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure — make sure to use a good quality brand for best results.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness without extra saltiness.
Vegetable oil: For frying—choose an oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden crust.
Powdered sugar: Sprinkled generously for that iconic finishing touch and an extra bit of sweetness.

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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

Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe is a delightful base that welcomes your personal touch. Whether you want to keep it traditional or experiment a bit, there’s plenty of room to make these fluffy treats uniquely yours.

Variation: For a seasonal twist, I like adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the powdered sugar before dusting the beignets—so cozy and comforting in the fall!
Gluten-Free Option: While this classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can try a gluten-free flour blend. Just note that the texture might be slightly different, but still just as tasty.
Vegan Twist: Swap the milk for almond or oat milk and use a flax egg in place of the large egg for a plant-based version. The yeast dough still gets wonderfully airy!
Serving Ideas: Beyond powdered sugar, dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, berry compote, or even a drizzle of honey add a fun flavor dimension to these fried beauties.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe

The image shows a white plate with four golden brown, square-shaped fried dough pieces topped with a dusting of white powdered sugar. One piece is broken open and placed on top of the others, displaying a fluffy, soft, and airy interior with light, cloud-like texture. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with more fried dough pieces blurred in the background on a black wire rack, also sprinkled with powdered sugar. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Activate the Yeast for that Perfect Rise

Start by pouring ¾ cup of lukewarm water into a small bowl, then whisk in 2¼ teaspoons (one envelope) of active dry yeast and ¼ cup of sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the surface is frothy and bubbling—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Once the yeast is bubbly and active, add 1 large egg and ½ cup of milk to the bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended. This mixture will bring richness and moisture to your beignets.

Step 3: Bring It All Together with Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. Pour in the yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Using the dough hook, mix on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a smooth ball—this usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise to Fluffy Perfection

Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Set it somewhere warm to rise and double in size—this will take about 1 hour. Tip: To speed things up, you can place the bowl in a turned-off oven preheated to 200°F (93°C), just make sure to turn off the heat first!

Step 5: Shape Your Beignets

Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a long rectangle about ¾ inch thick. Cut the dough into long strips, then cut those strips into squares to form your individual beignets. You’ll get about 32 from this recipe, depending on your cut size—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!

Step 6: Heat the Oil for Perfect Frying

Fill a deep pan or Dutch oven with about 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (177°C). Use a candy thermometer if you have one to maintain the temperature. This ensures a crispy exterior without greasy sogginess. Pro tip: Test the oil by frying one beignet first—if it sizzles and browns quickly, you’re good to go!

Step 7: Fry Until Golden and Delicious

Carefully drop about 5 to 6 beignets at a time into the hot oil. Let them fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning occasionally for an even golden brown color. They should puff up beautifully and have a light, crispy crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan—give them room to fry evenly.

Step 8: Drain, Dust, and Serve Warm

Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets and transfer them to a paper towel-lined bowl to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar to finish. These beignets are best enjoyed fresh—feel free to pair them with your favorite coffee or hot tea for an irresistible treat.

Top Tip

Mastering Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe requires a few tried-and-true tips that can take your beignet game from good to unforgettable. These nuggets of wisdom come from hands-on experience and a few happy accidents along the way.

Perfect Dough Rise: I always cover the dough with a damp towel and place it in a warm spot—sometimes even the turned-off preheated oven at 200°F (93°C)—which helps the dough double in size nicely within about an hour.
Oil Temperature Matters: Maintaining the oil at exactly 350°F (177°C) helps the beignets fry quickly to that perfect golden crisp without soaking up excess oil. I like to test the oil with one beignet before frying the rest.
Batch Frying: Frying 5 to 6 beignets at a time prevents overcrowding, which keeps the oil temperature steady and ensures each beignet cooks evenly and beautifully on both sides.
Drain Well: Placing freshly fried beignets on paper towels immediately makes a big difference in keeping them light and crispy instead of greasy.

How to Serve Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe

The image shows two clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each filled with dough in different stages. The bowl on the left has one rough-textured ball of dough that is light beige and slightly bumpy, sitting in the middle of the bowl. The bowl on the right contains dough that has risen, filling most of the bowl with a light, airy, and bubbly surface that looks soft and expanded, slightly yellowish-beige in color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic powdered sugar dusting is divine, feel free to get creative! A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds a warm spice twist, or a drizzle of homemade chocolate or caramel sauce can elevate these beignets into a decadent treat. Fresh berries or a small dollop of whipped cream also pair perfectly for a brunch-worthy presentation.

Side Dishes

Crispy beignets shine alongside a steaming cup of cafe au lait or your favorite espresso. For a hearty breakfast, serve them with fresh fruit salad or a side of scrambled eggs and bacon. They also make a delightful dessert when paired with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of sorbet for contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover beignets (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Beyond that, they tend to lose their signature crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze unfried beignet dough cut into squares by arranging them on a parchment-lined tray, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag once frozen solid. They freeze well for up to 1 month. When ready, fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to cooking time.

Reheating

To revive leftover fried beignets, reheat gently in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving, as this makes them soggy. If you prefer, a quick flash-fry in hot oil also brings back that fresh-from-the-pan crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast for this beignet recipe?

Yes! If using instant or rapid-rise yeast, you can skip the proofing step by mixing it directly with the flour. This saves a bit of time but make sure you adjust the dough rising accordingly.

Why is it important to keep the oil at 350°F when frying beignets?

Maintaining the oil at 350°F ensures the beignets cook quickly and evenly, developing a crispy golden crust without absorbing too much oil, which keeps them light and airy inside.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look noticeably puffed. A gentle poke should leave a slight indentation that slowly fills back in.

Can I make Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe vegan?

This recipe includes milk, egg, and butter, but you can experiment by substituting plant-based milk, a flax egg, and vegan butter to create a vegan-friendly version. The texture might vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe from scratch is such a joyful experience—it fills your kitchen with warmth and unbeatable aromas. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones over breakfast or indulging in a sweet treat, these golden pillows of fried dough bring a little slice of French magic to your day. So, roll up your sleeves, fry with care, and enjoy every bite of these comforting delights.