Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (105–115 °F / 40–46 °C)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup evaporated milk (or regular milk)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 7 cups all‑purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying; about 1–2 inches depth)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (very generously)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit about 10 minutes until foamy (to proof the yeast).
- Add egg, evaporated milk, salt, softened butter, and vanilla. Mix to combine.
- Gradually add flour (about 1 cup at a time), mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead (in bowl or on lightly floured surface) for 8–12 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turn to coat, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (≈ 1 to 1½ hours).
- Punch the dough down. Roll out on floured surface to about ¼‑inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut into 2–3 inch squares or rectangles.
- Heat oil to 350 °F (≈ 175 °C). Fry beignets in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until puffed and golden brown.
- Drain briefly on paper towels, then dust heavily with powdered sugar while still warm.
- Serve immediately — hot and fresh is best.
Notes
- The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours after the first rise; bring back to room temperature before rolling and frying.
- If you don’t have evaporated milk, use whole milk instead (texture may be slightly lighter).
- Maintain oil temperature (350 °F) — if it gets too cool, beignets absorb oil; too hot and they burn before cooking through.
- Use plenty of powdered sugar — the classic beignet is hidden under a mountain of it.
- Cut shapes fairly uniform so they fry and puff evenly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Breakfast
- Method: Deep‑fried
- Cuisine: French / New Orleans style
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: Approx. 250
- Sugar: ~ 20g
- Sodium: ~ 150mg
- Fat: ~ 10g
- Saturated Fat: ~ 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~ 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~ 35g
- Fiber: ~ 1g
- Protein: ~ 5g
- Cholesterol: ~ 20mg
