There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a freshly fried beignet — crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and blanketed in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. These Buttermilk Beignets bring a touch of New Orleans magic straight to your kitchen. They’re simple to make, irresistibly tender, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon indulgence.
✨ Ingredients
For the Beignets
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2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg, room temperature
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½ cup (120g) cold buttermilk
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¼ cup (60ml) whole milk (or more buttermilk for extra tang)
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2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
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Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying (about 2–3 cups)
For Finishing Touches
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Powdered sugar, generously for dusting
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Optional: a pinch of ground cinnamon or lemon zest mixed into the sugar
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then whisk in buttermilk, milk, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Make the Dough
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft, shaggy dough forms.
Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes — this helps hydrate the flour and makes rolling easier.
4. Roll and Cut
On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and gently pat or roll it to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 2-inch squares or rectangles. You can reroll scraps once if needed.
5. Heat the Oil
Pour 2–3 inches of oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat to 350°F (175°C) — use a thermometer for best results.
6. Fry in Batches
Fry 4–6 beignets at a time for 1–2 minutes per side, flipping once, until puffed and beautifully golden brown.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray.
7. Dust and Serve
While still warm, place the beignets on a rack set over parchment paper.
Generously dust with powdered sugar — don’t hold back!
Serve immediately for the ultimate warm, pillowy treat.
💡 Pro Tips
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For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the dough.
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Don’t overwork the dough — a light hand keeps them tender.
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Beignets taste best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
❤️ Serving Ideas
Pair your beignets with hot café au lait, espresso, or even a drizzle of warm honey. For a festive twist, dip them in chocolate ganache or strawberry sauce.