Beignet Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden, pillowy beignets dusted with cinnamon sugar, offering a classic sweet treat inspired by New Orleans Mardi Gras festivities. This french-inspired mardi gras ready in about 45 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast, granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 8 French cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Whisk in 1/2 cup warmed whole milk, 2 large eggs, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture until combined.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead by hand or mixer for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Step 4: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 360°F using a candy or deep-fry thermometer.
  6. Step 6: Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  7. Step 7: Fry the dough pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown, turning carefully with tongs.
  8. Step 8: Drain beignets on paper towels, then toss immediately in a mixture of 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tsp ground cinnamon while warm. Serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Beignet Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beignet Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beignet Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beignet Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Beignet Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?

French mardi gras like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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