French Beignets Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of biting into a piece of fluffy, golden heaven dusted with sweet powder, then you are in for a treat with this French Beignets Recipe. These delightful French-style beignets come from cream puff dough fried to perfect lightness, then lovingly rolled in sugar and showered with powdered sugar for that authentic, irresistible finish. Every bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with a hint of citrus zest—making it the ultimate French and Southern fusion snack that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this French Beignets Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients that come together to create magic. Each component plays a special role: water and butter form the perfect dough base, eggs bring richness and airiness, and the orange zest lifts the flavor with a touch of brightness.

• 1 cup water: Essential for hydrating the dough and creating steam for a light texture.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon plus 1 cup granulated sugar: The first teaspoon balances flavors in the dough, while the cup is for coating warmth-laden beignets.
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors without being overpowering.
• Finely grated zest of 2 oranges: Brings a fresh, vibrant aroma and subtle citrus brightness throughout.
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base of the dough to hold that incredible puffiness.
• 4 large eggs: Create structure and airiness, essential for the fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant depth that rounds out the citrus notes.
• Vegetable shortening for frying: Yields perfectly crisp, golden crusts without overpowering flavors.
• Confectioners’ sugar for serving: The final snowy dusting that gives these beignets their signature look and sweetness.

How to Make French Beignets Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by lining a baking sheet with paper towels to catch excess oil later. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt, and half of your fresh orange zest. Bring this mixture to a fast boil, then immediately remove it from the heat. Stir the flour in vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball. This little trick creates that perfect base for fluffy, tender beignets.

Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This step is key to achieving a smooth, glossy dough packed with air pockets that expand beautifully when fried. Finish by mixing in the vanilla extract to elevate the flavor with its comforting aroma.

Step 3: Fry the Beignets

Melt the vegetable shortening in a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heating it to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully drop teaspoonfuls of your dough into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch until golden brown on both sides, typically 3 to 5 minutes, turning once. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beignets to your prepared baking sheet to drain.

Step 4: Coat and Serve

Mix the remaining orange zest with the cup of granulated sugar. While the beignets are still warm, roll them gently in this sugar mixture to imbue a sweet, citrusy crunch. Just before serving, dust them with a generous snowfall of confectioners’ sugar to capture that classic French treat look. Serve immediately for the freshest experience!

How to Serve French Beignets Recipe

Garnishes

Though powdered sugar dusting is classic, try adding a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce to add richness and even more indulgence. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also introduce cozy warmth complementing the citrus zest perfectly.

Side Dishes

French beignets shine as a standalone treat but can also pair beautifully with fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful brunch or dessert spread. A cup of strong coffee or a spicy chai tea balances the sweetness and brings the whole experience together wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, pile beignets into a rustic basket lined with a pretty napkin, or serve them elegantly on a tiered cake stand dusted with extra powdered sugar. You can also stuff them with fruit preserves or Nutella for an extra surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra beignets, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but this helps keep them from drying out too fast.

Freezing

French beignets are freezer-friendly! Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well up to 1 month and you can reheat from frozen.

Reheating

To bring back that crisp exterior and fluffy center, reheat beignets in a 350-degree oven for about 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy. A quick toss in a hot skillet also works wonders for reviving their fresh-out-of-the-fryer texture.

FAQs

What makes this French Beignets Recipe different from regular doughnuts?

Unlike typical doughnuts, French beignets use a choux-style dough, which puffs up remarkably during frying, yielding a soft, hollow interior and a delicate crisp crust. It’s a lighter, airier treat.

Can I use oil instead of vegetable shortening for frying?

Yes! Vegetable shortening is traditional because it holds heat well and creates a neutral taste, but you can use neutral oils like canola or peanut oil to get similar frying results.

Why do I need to add the flour all at once? Can I add it gradually?

The technique of adding the flour all at once and stirring vigorously is crucial for activating the dough’s structure properly. Gradual addition won’t give you the dough ball formation needed for perfect beignets.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substituting gluten-free flour is tricky because the dough relies on gluten for structure and puffiness. If attempting gluten-free, use a specialized blend designed for choux pastry and expect a slightly different texture.

Is orange zest necessary in this French Beignets Recipe?

While you can omit it, the orange zest adds a lovely aromatic citrus note that brightens the richness of the beignets. It’s a subtle but delightful flavor enhancer worth including.

Final Thoughts

French beignets capture the spirit of joyful indulgence with every crispy, tender bite, and this French Beignets Recipe lets you bring that magic right into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with family or delighting guests at a brunch, they are bound to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and create some sweetness that warms hearts and sparks smiles.

French Beignets Recipe

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Classic French-style beignets made from rich cream puff dough, fried to golden perfection, then rolled and dusted in sugar for a light, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet treat.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: About 18-20 beignets
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Finely grated zest of 2 oranges (divided)
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying and Finishing

• Vegetable shortening for frying
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• Confectioners’ (powdered) sugar for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with paper towels to drain the fried beignets later, and set it aside.
2. Make the dough base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, salt, and half of the orange zest. Bring this mixture to a rapid boil.
3. Add flour and form dough: Remove the pan from heat and stir in all the flour vigorously. Return the pan to low heat and continue stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball. Remove from heat once this is achieved.
4. Incorporate eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the dough, mixing well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract at the end.
5. Heat the shortening: Melt vegetable shortening in a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heating it to 370°F (188°C) to ensure proper frying temperature.
6. Fry the beignets: Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, drop teaspoon-sized portions of dough into the hot shortening in batches. Fry them for 3 to 5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. Remove beignets with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet to drain.
7. Coat with sugar: Combine the remaining orange zest and 1 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. While the beignets are still warm, roll them in this sugar mixture to coat evenly.
8. Serve: Just before serving, dust the beignets generously with confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately while warm and fluffy for the best experience.

Notes

• Ensure the shortening is at the correct temperature (370°F) for perfectly crispy and puffed beignets.
• The orange zest adds a subtle citrus aroma; don’t skip it for authentic flavor.
• Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy beignets.
• Use paper towels to drain excess oil and keep the beignets light.
• Serve promptly for optimal texture, as beignets are best enjoyed fresh and warm.