Classic French Donuts

By: Casey Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:10:38 GMT Breakfast Favorites
Casey, recipe creator at Cooking with Casey
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Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:10:38 GMT

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A stack of glazed pastries is displayed on a white plate. Pin it
A stack of glazed pastries is displayed on a white plate.

The sweet aroma of warm vanilla and fried dough fills my kitchen every time I make these buttermilk beignets. My first bite into these pillowy delights takes me straight to the charming streets of New Orleans. That moment when hot beignets meet sweet glaze is pure magic.

A Taste of New Orleans at Home

After visiting Café du Monde I knew I had to recreate that dreamy beignet experience in my own kitchen. The tangy buttermilk makes these extra special and that perfect vanilla glaze brings back memories of powdered sugar clouds and café au lait.

Essential Ingredients Overview

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary in this recipe. The key is using quality ingredients that shine through in every bite.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Creating these beauties is all about patience and love. Each step brings you closer to beignet perfection.

A plate of glazed, golden-brown square pastries stacked together.
A plate of glazed, golden-brown square pastries stacked together.

My Secret Tips

Watch that oil temperature like a hawk it's the key to golden perfection. I learned the hard way that gentle hands make the fluffiest dough. Keep those mixing bowls nice and cold for the smoothest glaze you've ever seen.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I drizzle them with chocolate when I'm feeling fancy. My kids go crazy when I stuff them with Nutella. On special mornings we roll them in cinnamon sugar just because we can.

Fresh is Best

Nothing beats these straight from the fryer but they'll keep for a couple days in a sealed container. Pop them in the freezer before glazing if you want to save some for later. Just warm them up when the craving hits.

Pure Joy in Every Bite

The smile on peoples faces when they bite into these warm puffy clouds of joy makes all the effort worthwhile. It's like bringing a piece of French Quarter magic right to your own table.

A stack of three glazed pastries sits on a marble surface.
A stack of three glazed pastries sits on a marble surface.

Perfect for Any Time

Whether it's a lazy Sunday morning or fancy brunch these beignets steal the show. That moment when the glaze hits the warm dough turns ordinary moments into celebrations.

Kitchen Fun with Kids

My little ones love helping cut the dough into squares their sticky fingers dipping beignets in glaze. These messy kitchen moments create the sweetest memories.

A Lighter Touch

On days when we want something lighter the air fryer works wonders. Just a light spritz of oil and they puff up beautifully. Different but still delicious.

A Sweet Legacy

Each time I make these I think about their journey from French kitchens to New Orleans cafes to my own home. There's something special about keeping these delicious traditions alive one batch at a time.

A close-up of three glazed pastries stacked on a marble surface.
A close-up of three glazed pastries stacked on a marble surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use buttermilk?
Creates tender texture and slight tang in finished beignets.
How thick should I roll dough?
Roll to ½ inch thickness for proper puffing while frying.
Why 350°F oil temperature?
Ensures outside gets golden while inside cooks properly.
Can I make dough ahead?
Let rise in fridge overnight, bring to room temp before frying.
How do I know they're done?
Should be golden brown outside, about 1-2 minutes per side.
4.72 from 254 votes

Glazed Buttermilk Beignets

Prep Time:
60 Minutes
Cook Time:
20 Minutes
Total Time:
80 Minutes
Servings:
12
A stack of glazed pastries is displayed on a white plate.

Light and fluffy French-style donuts made with buttermilk dough and dipped in sweet vanilla glaze.

Ingredients

  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast.
  • ¾ cup warm water.
  • ¼ cup sugar.
  • ½ cup buttermilk.
  • 1 egg.
  • 3½ cups flour.
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter.
  • Oil for frying.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar.
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Instructions

1.

1. Make Dough: Activate yeast in warm water with sugar. Mix in buttermilk, egg, butter and flour. Rise 1 hour.

2.

2. Shape: Roll dough ½-inch thick, cut into squares.

3.

3. Fry: Fry at 350°F until golden, 1-2 minutes per side.

4.

4. Glaze: Mix glaze ingredients. Dip warm beignets.

Notes

  1. Best served fresh.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep fryer or heavy pot.
  • Rolling pin.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 4 g