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New Orleans-Style Beignets – Light & Fluffy

New Orleans-Style Beignets are fluffy fried dough squares dusted generously with powdered sugar. This homemade beignet recipe delivers authentic café-style flavor.
Prep Time 19 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine New Orleans

Ingredients
  

  • cups warm water 110–115°F
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 7 cups bread flour
  • teaspoons salt
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
  • 4 cups peanut oil for frying
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Instructions
 

  • Activate the Yeast
  • In a bowl, whisk warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients
  • In a stand mixer, beat eggs until smooth. Add vanilla and evaporated milk. Mix well.
  • Add Flour
  • Beat in 3½ cups flour until smooth. With mixer on low, slowly pour in yeast mixture. Add butter and mix until incorporated.
  • Finish the Dough
  • Add remaining flour and salt. Mix until smooth and cohesive, about 2 minutes.
  • Chill
  • Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
  • Prepare for Frying
  • Heat 4 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 360°F (182°C). Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
  • Roll and Cut
  • On a floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into 2½-inch squares.
  • Fry
  • Fry in batches about 1 minute per side until puffed and golden brown. Transfer to paper towels.
  • Serve
  • Generously dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately

Notes

  • Dough can be made a day in advance.