New Orleans-Style Beignets – How to Make Donuts at Home Easy Recipe
We all need a little powdered sugar therapy sometimes, right? Making beignets at home takes you straight to the heart of New Orleans — minus the airport lines. These pillowy squares of fried dough are like the love child of a donut and a cloud. Every time I fry a batch, my kitchen smells like a pastry shop on Bourbon Street, and that’s honestly reason enough to keep making them.
The best part? You don’t need any special gear or mystical pastry training. If you can stir, roll, and wait (the dough needs a nap), you’re already halfway there. A little patience, a lot of powdered sugar, and poof — homemade beignets that actually taste like the real deal.
And yes, I’ve burned my tongue on the first bite more times than I care to admit. Worth it every single time. If you're hunting for sweet easy recipes that pair well with strong coffee and good conversation, this one's your new favorite.
Servings: 12 beignets
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy — about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add the egg, milk, and salt. Stir in the flour and softened butter until dough comes together.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 to 2 hours.
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot. Fry beignets in batches, flipping until golden, about 1–2 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm (with coffee, if you're doing it right).