Mardi Gras Beignets Powdered Sugar (Printable)

Fluffy fried dough squares dusted with powdered sugar, ideal for festive sweet cravings.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
03 - ½ cup granulated sugar
04 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - 3½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

→ For Frying

10 - Vegetable oil for deep frying (approximately 6 cups)

→ Topping

11 - 2 cups powdered sugar for dusting

# How-To Steps:

01 - Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Whisk in sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, vanilla, and salt until thoroughly combined.
03 - Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough develops.
04 - Turn dough onto floured surface and knead for 3–4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
05 - Place dough in greased bowl, cover with clean towel, and let rise in warm area until doubled, approximately 1–1½ hours.
06 - Punch down dough and transfer to floured surface. Roll to ½-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares.
07 - Heat oil in deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F.
08 - Fry beignets in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
09 - Transfer beignets using slotted spoon to paper towel-lined tray to drain.
10 - Generously dust warm beignets with powdered sugar on all sides.
11 - Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These beignets capture that authentic New Orleans magic without requiring a plane ticket
  • The dough comes together with pantry staples and rewards patience with the most incredible pillowy texture
02 -
  • Overcrowding the oil drops the temperature dramatically, leading to greasy instead of crispy beignets
  • Rolling the dough too thin means they will not puff up properly during frying
  • Room temperature ingredients incorporate more easily than cold ones
03 -
  • A pizza cutter makes cutting the dough squares faster and cleaner than a knife
  • Dusting beignets over a wire rack or paper bag keeps the mess contained

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