Description
Classic French Donuts, or beignets, are soft, fluffy fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar. A New Orleans favorite, these sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert and are surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp sugar in warm milk. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix to form a dough.
- Knead dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into squares or rounds.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry beignets in batches until golden brown, flipping once.
- Drain on paper towels and dust generously with powdered sugar while warm.
Notes
- Add lemon zest or cinnamon to dough for a flavor twist.
- Fill with jam, Nutella, or pastry cream for a decadent variation.
- Bake at 400°F and brush with butter and sugar for a lighter version.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
