Beignets

Light as air and dusted with a generous snowfall of confectioners’ sugar, these classic beignets are a celebration of simple, well-crafted indulgence. Made with a gently enriched yeast dough, each square puffs up beautifully as it fries to a delicate golden hue—crisp on the outside, tender and pillowy within.

Prep Time: 1h 20 mins | Total Time: 1h 35 mins | Serves: 15

Ingredients

For the Beignets

• 3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 packet
  

• 3/4 cup warm milk, 180 ml, 110° F/45° C
  

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  
  

• 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  

• 2 large eggs
  

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  

• vegetable oil, for frying

  
  

For the Vanilla Bean Cream

• 1 cup heavy cream
  

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  

• 1 vanilla bean pod, or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

For garnish

• Powdered sugar

  
  

• fresh spring berries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries

  
  

• fresh mint leaves, optional, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

Make the dough

In a small bowl, mix warm milk and yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a stand mixer with a dough hook (or a large bowl), combine flour, sugar, and salt.

Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture, then mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 2

Knead for 8-10 minutes (or by hand for 10-12 min) until smooth and elastic.

Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 3

Roll & Cut:

On a lightly floured surface roll the dough out to ¼-inch thickness.

Cut into 2-inch squares or circles using a pastry cutter.

Let them rest for 15-20 minutes while heating the oil.

Step 4

Fry the beignets:

Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).

Fry in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5

Make the vanilla bean cream:

Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean seeds until soft peaks form.

Step 6

Assemble & Serve:

Dust or roll the beignets with powdered sugar. Top with fresh berries and serve with vanilla bean cream on the side. Garnish with mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.