Mardi Gras Beignets Powdered (Printable)
Golden beignets dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for festive New Orleans celebrations.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
02 - 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
05 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
06 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ For Frying
09 - 1 quart vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil)
→ Topping
10 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, for dusting
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract.
03 - Add the yeast mixture to the egg mixture and mix well.
04 - Gradually add flour, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
05 - Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
06 - Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
07 - Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F.
08 - Fry beignets in batches, 3–4 at a time, for 1–2 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined tray.
09 - While still warm, generously dust beignets with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The magic of watching these puffy golden squares inflate in hot oil never gets old, like little edible clouds emerging from the depths
- Nothing beats that first warm bite through the crisp exterior into the pillowy soft center, especially when shared with someone whos never experienced a proper New Orleans beignet
02 -
- The oil temperature is everything, too cool and they will be greasy, too hot and they will burn outside while remaining raw inside
- Let the dough rise fully without rushing, this patience is what creates that signature light and fluffy interior texture
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the butter from solidifying when mixed, ensuring consistent dough texture throughout
- A pizza cutter creates cleaner cuts than a knife and does not drag the delicate dough, preserving the rise