Beignet Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-28 · Updated 2026-04-28

Golden, pillowy beignets dusted with cinnamon sugar, offering a classic sweet treat inspired by New Orleans Mardi Gras festivities. This French-inspired Mardi Gras recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs all-purpose flour, 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.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups, 110°F warm water
• 1/2 cup, warmed whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup, melted unsalted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

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.