Beignet Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) 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.

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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