This beignet recipe was inspired by a recent trip to New Orleans. If you haven’t tried one before, a beignet is a square doughnut covered in powdered sugar. As if that wasn’t good enough, dip this beignet recipe in our Chocolate Hazelnut, Butterscotch Caramel, and Vanilla Raspberry sauces.
New Orleans Mini Beignet Recipe
This beignet recipe makes the best mini beignets ever! They are fluffy yet have some density to them and are topped with the perfect dusting of powdered sugar. I first had beignets while visiting Louisiana. This is my favorite dessert from the beautiful city of New Orleans. If you’ve never been there, you should definitely put it on your bucket list. It’s a fascinating city full of rich culture, history, and food (of course!).
Prior to trying beignets, I heard they were fantastic. Like most foodies, I was a little skeptical. I’ve had my fair share of trying foods that have been hyped up by the masses and a lot of them have turned out to be fairly disappointing. I’m happy to report that not only did I absolutely love them, I liked them enough to come home and put together my own beignet recipe so I could recreate them anytime I wanted.
What is Mardi Gras?
This beignet recipe is a great option to make for a Mardi Gras celebration. However, there’s no reason to wait until February rolls around as beignets are eaten year-round these days (thankfully!). I do like to learn about the culture and origins of food, so I researched a bit about what Mardi Gras actually is.
“Mardi Gras” is a French phrase that translates in English to “Fat Tuesday.” Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, or the 40 days of fasting and moderation leading up to Easter. Lent is traditionally observed by Roman Catholic and other Christian and Protestant religions. Fat Tuesday was—and still is for many!—the day people would eat the rich and fatty foods in their homes before the fast when only certain foods are allowed.
When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate popular pagan celebrations of spring and fertility with Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras became a time of carnivals, feasts, and festivities that is celebrated around the world today. In Louisiana, Mardi Gras is a legal holiday. Plus, it’s a great excuse to indulge and make this beignet recipe. 🙂
What are Beignets?
For those that aren’t familiar, beignets are a square doughnut that is covered in powdered sugar. Did you ever see Disney’s Princess and the Frog? Beignets are the dessert they eat at the beginning of the movie. When we were visiting New Orleans we regularly hit up the famous Cafe Du Monde for these tasty treats!
Insider tip: if you are at Disneyland, they have the closest replica beignet recipe to the Cafe Du Monde version that I have tasted so far outside of this beignet recipe. Just another reason to head to Disney, if you need one.
This beignet recipe is simple to make, but it is time-consuming in the sense that the recipe needs time to rest and rise. When making the beignets, be sure to prepare the dough at least 4 hours before you plan to serve them. They need at least 3 hours to rise in the fridge then 30 to 40 minutes more out of the fridge. I promise you, the wait is well worth it! Plus, this beignet recipe makes for a fantastic make-ahead meal, which is always nice.
Dipping Sauces for Beignets
In the restaurant in New Orleans Square, they serve beignets with delicious dipping sauces, which takes the experience to a whole new level. It is my absolute favorite way to eat them.
When I make this beignet recipe, I also make three amazing sauces for dipping. It’s a bit of extra work but the extra flavor is totally worth it. Plus, everyone loves a good dip. Here’s the easy recipe for my favorite sauce trio: Chocolate Hazelnut, Butterscotch Caramel, and Vanilla Raspberry sauces.
More Favorite Recipes from New Orleans
If I haven’t made it clear yet, we are big fans of the delicious flavors in New Orleans. My time in the city has been well-spent as I always come back with loads of new recipes to recreate.
Check out more of our favorite copycat recipes from our visits to New Orleans here:
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Mint Juleps
- Cajun Chicken Po’ Boys
- Pecan Pralines
- Creole Butter Shrimp
- Jambalaya
- Cajun Style Grill Foil Packets
- One Pot Jambalaya Pasta
- Red Beans and Rice
- Shrimp Po Boys with Creamy Cajun Sauce
How to Make New Orleans Mini Beignets
Ingredients
- 1 packet dry active yeast
- 3/4 cup hot water from tap
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 3 1/2 cup flour
- 1/8 cup shortening
- vegetable oil for frying
- powdered sugar for coating
- 1 lunch size paper bag
Instructions
- Combine the yeast, water, and sugar and let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl or mixer, combine the yeast mixture with the egg, salt, and evaporated milk. Blend in about half the flour, then add the shortening and blend in well, then add the rest of the flour. You want the dough to be soft but not sticky. Add small amounts of flour as needed. It's best when the dough just barely stops sticking to the side of the bowl or mixer.
- Cover loosely and let the dough raise in the fridge at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Punch down the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large square. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 2 inch squares (for full size beignets make 4 inch squares). Remove squares to a cookie sheet lined with cooking spray and let raise for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep fry pan over the stove on medium high to heat. When oil is hot, test a small piece of dough in the oil to make sure it's hot enough, the dough should float to the top and begin to brown within a few seconds.
- Prepare by setting out a large plate topped with paper towels and a large slotted spoon near the stove, these cook quickly! Also fill your paper bag with about a cup of powdered sugar.
- Carefully place several pieces of dough in the oil, when you see the edges turning golden, quickly flip them over and cook for a few seconds more. Use a slotted spoon to remove dough from the oil and place on the paper towels. Let the dough drain on the paper towels for about 30 seconds then toss into the paper bag filled with powdered sugar. Seal the top and shake to coat. Add more powdered sugar as needed as you go. Remove coated pieces to a plate and serve immediately, they taste best warm!
Dawn Presley says
can’t wait to try these
Bobbi says
Has anyone tried these with Rice flour? I’m gluten intolerant.
Bobbi
Judy LaForme says
Love these deserts sauces will make them taste better, can wait.
Annie says
I made these with my 3 year old today. He was able to help me with everything but the frying. Followed the recipe exactly and they were perfect! They didn’t last through the night. Thank you.
Echo says
What a great memory! I’m so glad the beignets were a hit at your house!
KC says
How thin does the dough need to be rolled?
Emily says
I would roll it out to about a 1/2 inch thickness.
Linda says
do you use regular flour or self rising flour?
Echo says
I use regular flour for this recipe. Thank you for asking!
Jane says
What kind of shortening did you use? Thanks
Echo says
I used Crisco shortening (regular, not butter flavor). Thank you for asking!
Emily says
How many servings does this make?
Emily says
It would feed 8 to 10 people easily.
Stephanie A Schoenster says
Hi how many beignets would this make? I am using this recipe in a school project. When you get a chance, please let me know. Thanks.
Emily says
I would say a couple dozen, but that really depends on how big or small you cut them.
Melissa says
These are to die for! Great recipe!
Krissy Allori says
This takes me back to the streets of New Orleans! Thank you!
Billy says
There isn’t much I like more in this world then beignets. Awesome job, they’re delicious!
Alli says
These were absolutely fabulous. I am making again this weekend!
wilhelmina says
These are so dangerously delcious! I have been looking for a good recipe for beignets. Thanks!
Erica Walker says
So glad you liked them! Thanks for the 5-stars!