Description
Classic New Orleans Beignets are light, airy deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert treat. This recipe yields 12 fluffy, crispy beignets with a soft interior and a delightful golden exterior, capturing the authentic taste of New Orleans.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frying & Finishing
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to create an even dry mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the dough light.
- Knead and Roll: Lightly knead the dough on a floured surface about 3-4 times to bring it together, then roll it out evenly to a thickness of about ¼ inch.
- Cut Dough Squares: Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2-inch squares, preparing them for frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot and heat to 360°F (182°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying to get a crispy texture.
- Fry Beignets: Fry the dough squares in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Drain and Dust: Remove the cooked beignets from the oil using a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, and generously dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature at 360°F for best results; too low and beignets will absorb oil, too high and they may burn.
- Do not overmix dough to ensure the beignets are light and fluffy.
- Serve beignets fresh and warm for the best taste and texture.
- Use a deep pot or fryer for safe and even frying.
- Can be paired with coffee or café au lait for an authentic New Orleans experience.
