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 (or 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’ve ever dreamt of having a café-style treat right at home, you’re in luck. This Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe gives you those classic French pastries with a light, airy interior and a perfectly crispy outside, dusted with that iconic snow-white sugar. Trust me, once you make these, you won’t want store-bought anymore!

A pile of about thirty golden brown, rectangular pastries with puffed, slightly uneven surfaces sit closely packed on a black cooling rack. Each pastry is dusted with white powdered sugar, creating a light, speckled contrast on the warm orange-brown crusts. The cooling rack is placed on a white marbled surface which also has some scattered powdered sugar around it. The pastries look crisp on the outside with small air pockets in the dough. 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

I still remember the first time I tried making beignets at home. The kitchen filled with that warm, doughy aroma and the sound of sizzling oil — it instantly felt like a little celebration. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple when you follow these steps!

Light and Fluffy: These beignets puff up beautifully, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
Crispy Exterior: The frying technique creates just the right golden crust without being greasy.
Classic French Flavor: Sweet, slightly yeasty dough with just enough sugar to satisfy that morning or afternoon sweet craving.
Perfect for Sharing: Makes about 32 beignets, so you can easily treat family, friends, or just keep some for yourself!

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering ingredients for these beignets, it really pays off to pick quality basics. Use fresh yeast for that wonderful rise and unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning perfectly. Here’s a quick peek into why each item matters:

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 milk, a small white ceramic bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl holding softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of vegetable oil, and a small white ceramic bowl sprinkled with powdered sugar, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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 for a perfect rise without killing those little bubbles of life.
Active Dry Yeast: The magic behind fluffy beignets. It helps the dough expand and get that airy texture.
Sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and add a subtle sweetness to the dough.
Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together for that tender crumb.
Milk: Gives the dough moisture and helps develop that soft interior.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base for your dough, providing structure while still allowing for a tender bite.
Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter (Softened): Brings richness and helps with a smooth dough texture.
Vegetable Oil: For frying—neutral in flavor and perfect for reaching and maintaining that 350°F heat.
Powdered Sugar: The finishing touch that turns these golden pillows into a classic delight.

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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

One of the best things about the Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you're craving a twist on the classic or need a version that fits your dietary preferences, there's a way to customize these light, fluffy treats to suit your taste.

Gluten-Free Variation: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with texture. I tried this for a friend with gluten intolerance, and they couldn't believe they were eating gluten-free beignets—they were still wonderfully crispy and fluffy!
Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water), use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and swap butter for a plant-based alternative. I tested this once and found the flavor mellow and just as satisfying with a slightly nuttier undertone.
Seasonal Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an autumn-inspired flare, or mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest for spring freshness. My personal favorite is dusting them with a blend of powdered sugar and matcha powder for a modern touch.
Chocolate Lovers: Serve the beignets alongside a warm chocolate dipping sauce or drizzle melted chocolate over them right before serving. A decadent indulgence that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!

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

The image shows four golden-brown fried square pastries on a white ornate plate with powdered sugar lightly dusted on top. One pastry is placed on top of the others, broken open to reveal a soft, fluffy, and slightly airy white inside. In the background, more pastries are on a black cooling rack and on the white marbled surface, some also dusted with powdered sugar. The surface has a light scattering of powdered sugar, adding texture and detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Activate the Yeast to Get the Dough Going

Start by combining ¾ cup of lukewarm water with 2¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast and ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl. Give it a gentle whisk and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know you’re on the right track when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly—this means the yeast is alive and kicking, ready to make your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Once your yeast mixture is frothy, whisk in 1 large egg and ½ cup milk until everything is fully combined. This mixture adds richness and moisture that will give your beignets that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine 3½ cups of all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon salt. Pour in your yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, then use the dough hook attachment to mix on medium speed. Keep mixing until the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl—this usually takes a few minutes. You'll want a soft yet elastic dough that's ready for rising.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise Until Puffy and Light

Remove the dough from the mixer and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean damp towel or plastic wrap, then tuck it away in a warm spot to rise. This will take about 1 to 2 hours, and you’re looking for the dough to double in size. If you want to speed this up, try putting it in a turned-off oven preheated to 200°F (93°C) with the door closed—it's like giving your dough a cozy blanket!

Step 5: Shape Your Beignets with Care

Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¾ inch thick. Cut the dough into long strips, then slice those into squares to form your beignets. This part is fun—you’ll start to see the little pillows of dough that will soon become golden fried delights.

Step 6: Heat the Oil to the Perfect Temperature

Fill a deep frying pan or Dutch oven with about 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (177°C). Use a thermometer to check—the right oil temperature ensures beignets puff up perfectly and cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.

Step 7: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Fry 5 to 6 beignets at a time, turning them carefully to get a golden brown on all sides. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Keep a close eye—they cook quickly and you want that perfect crispy outside with a soft inside.

Step 8: Drain and Dust with Powdered Sugar

Remove your fried beignets with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined bowl to drain any excess oil. While still warm, generously sprinkle with powdered sugar. This final touch is classic and irresistible—a snowy blanket of sweetness that makes these beignets truly special.

Top Tip

Mastering the art of Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe is all about getting the dough just right and frying at the perfect temperature. Here are some key tips that I’ve learned over time to help you get that perfect fluffy inside with a crispy golden outside every time.

Keep the Oil Temperature Steady: I always use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F (177°C). If it’s too hot, the beignets burn on the outside and stay raw inside; too cool, and they soak up oil and become greasy.
Don’t Skip the Rising Time: Patience pays off. Letting the dough double in size for about 1 hour makes the beignets light and fluffy. I sometimes speed things up by placing the covered dough in a warm, turned-off 200°F oven.
Cut Evenly Sized Squares: Uniform pieces fry more evenly. I learned this the hard way when some beignets cooked faster than others, so keeping consistent sizes ensures perfect golden bites every time.
Drain Well and Serve Warm: Placing beignets on paper towels right after frying helps avoid sogginess. Also, sprinkling powdered sugar while still warm lets it melt slightly, giving that classic sweet coating.

How to Serve Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe

The image shows two clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface, each containing dough at different stages. The bowl on the left has a single, round ball of rough, light beige dough with a slightly uneven texture and small cracks on its surface, sitting in the middle of the bowl. The bowl on the right holds the same dough but it has risen, filling almost the whole bowl with a light, airy texture full of small bubbles and a pale yellow-beige color. Both bowls have a simple, smooth rim, and the scene is bright and well lit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Beyond the classic generous dusting of powdered sugar, try adding a few creative garnishes to elevate your beignets. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries add a lovely tart contrast. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can turn these fried delights into an indulgent treat. For a fun twist, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the powdered sugar for subtle warmth.

Side Dishes

These beignets pair wonderfully with simple accompaniments. A steaming cup of café au lait or your favorite coffee balances the sweetness perfectly. For brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to add some savory balance. If you want to go all out, try pairing with creamy vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover beignets (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep their crispiness as much as possible, avoid refrigerating since that can make them soggy.

Freezing

Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe freeze beautifully! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This is perfect for making ahead and enjoying them fresh anytime you want a sweet snack.

Reheating

To reheat frozen or leftover beignets, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps revive their crisp exterior and fluffy interior without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, as that tends to make them chewy and loses the delightful crispiness we all love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! You can substitute instant or rapid-rise yeast for active dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without dissolving it in water first. This can actually speed up the rising time.

Why do some beignets turn out greasy?

Greasy beignets usually mean the frying oil is not hot enough. Make sure the oil is at 350°F (177°C) before frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan which can drop the oil temperature.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and look puffy. Press your finger gently into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready to be shaped and fried.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the day before and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and frying.

Final Thoughts

Creating Crispy Beignets with Powdered Sugar Recipe is such a rewarding experience—it’s like bringing a little slice of Paris right into your kitchen. With their sweet, crispy exterior and soft, pillowy inside, they’re perfect for any occasion, from lazy weekend breakfasts to festive gatherings. I hope these tips and tricks inspire you to whip up a batch (or two!) and savor the joy these classic French pastries bring. Happy frying and bon appétit!