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Celebrating Mardi Gras with the Easiest Cinnamon Buttermilk Beignets. Light and airy homemade beignets flavored with hints of both cinnamon and vanilla, fried, and dusted lightly (or generously) with powdered sugar. These are the simplest to make, require only pantry staples, and very minimal hands on time. Simply mix the dough, let it rise, roll it out, cut into squares, and fry until the beignets are puffed and golden. Dust each warm beignet with powdered sugar and serve with a steaming cup of coffee or cocoa.
If you guys follow on Instagram, then you probably know we had the biggest snowstorm over the weekend and into Monday. So much snow! In fact it was the most snow we’ve seen all winter with snow piling up pretty much all day on Sunday. The highway was closed, my brother’s flight out cancelled, and by mid-afternoon on Sunday, school for Monday was cancelled too. Basically we could do two things, head outside into the snow to play, or stay inside and be cozy.
Can you guess what I did?
Yeah, I stayed inside and made you all beignets. Once I realized that today is Mardi Gras, I just knew beignets were the right thing to do.
Beignets are one the first sweet things I ever made for my mom. They hold many great memories for the two of us. I think I’ve told this story before, but back when I was in 7th grade Mom and I headed to our local outdoor shopping mall in Westlake, Ohio. I can’t really remember what our mission was (did we really need one?). But we ended up at the beignet cart with a plate full of beignets and ideas brewing in our heads. This is the moment where we began to plot our move to Colorado.
I remember it like it was yesterday. And it’s still one of my favorite moments. Because it was one where I was able to spend time with just mom. With five brothers, it was a rare event to get mom all to myself. The beignets were just the icing on the cake.
Or maybe I should say the powdered sugar on the beignet??
Anyway, point is, I’m glad I made these, even more excited to share them, and happy I was able to make a spur of the moment recipe thanks to a whole lot of snow.
Now, the details.
I know beignets might seem like a scary thing to make, but essentially they’re just doughnuts, yet soo much easier. The trickiest part is frying, which yes, is annoying, but also worth it.
And before you all ask, yes, you can bake these. But I found them to be kind of dry and boring. Sometimes you just have to jump all in when it comes to sweets. None of that half way stuff, you know?
I like to make my beignet dough with buttermilk. I’m not sure if this is traditional, but the buttermilk is what really makes these light and airy. It gives them a bit of a slight tang too. In addition to the buttermilk, I also like to add a touch of both cinnamon and vanilla. The cinnamon adds a really nice warmth that I’ve found especially nice. It’s not even that you notice a cinnamon flavor, but more of a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
And the vanilla? Well, vanilla should be in all sweets. Fact.
Once the dough has had some time to rise, it’s time to roll it out and fry. The best thing about beignets is that unlike doughnuts, you don’t need any fancy cutters. Just roll the dough out and use a knife to cut squares.
Super simple.
Then fry the dough in a bit of oil and dust each beignet with powdered sugar. You can go as light or as heavy as you’d like with the sugar. I like to toss the beignets in a bowl of powdered sugar, and then vigorously shake off the excess. I know this may seem counter productive, but it just works.
Most important? You must, must serve these with either coffee or hot chocolate. Coffee is a bit more traditional, but we much prefer a thick and creamy hot chocolate over here. Also delicious? Warm beignets smeared with your favorite jam…or just go all out and smear with a bit of Nutella.
All of the above work. So pick your favorite and enjoy some beignets this week. And happy Mardi Gras!
If you make these cinnamon buttermilk beignets, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Easiest Cinnamon Buttermilk Beignets.
Servings: 12 beignets
Calories Per Serving: 1126 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- canola or vegetable oil, for frying
- powdered sugar, for dusting
- hot chocolate, for serving
Instructions
- 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the water, yeast, honey, buttermilk, egg, butter, and vanilla. Add the flour, cinnamon, and salt. Knead until the dough comes together, about 1-2 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, add an additional 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball.2. Cover the bowl and let sit in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.3. Turn the dough onto a floured work surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about an 1/4 inch thick. Using a knife, cut the dough into 3×3 inch squares (about 25 squares). Cover with a damp kitchen towel while the oil preheats.4. Place a deep, heavy bottom pot on the stove and add enough oil to fill the pot about 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep. Turn the burner to medium and preheat the oil to 350 degrees F. Fry 4-6 beignets at a time depending on the size of your pot. Use a slotted spoon to flip them over every 30 seconds. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on both sides. Remove with the slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining squares.5. Dust each beignet generously with powdered sugar. Enjoy warm, with a side of hot cocoa.
These were great! I think I may have done something incorrectly though as they looked/tasted a little denser than those pictured here. Not sure if I added too much flour or didn’t let the dough rise for long enough? Or maybe cut them too thick… still tasted good just wasn’t as fluffy and airy as beignets should be (I’m new to baking so definitely my error). Thanks for sharing though!
Hey Rachel,
I am so glad you have enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for making it! Was there anything you may have adjusted? Let me know! Have a great week! xTieghan
It was my first time making beignets and they turned out absolutely delicious, it was hard to stop eating them:)
Hey Greta,
Thanks so much for making the recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Thanks! xTieghan
These are amazing!!! Easy to make and literally soooo delicious!!! Highly recommend them!! And anything and everything Half Baked Harvest!! Thank you for truly upping my game in the kitchen and making quarantine a lot happier!! Xo
Hey Erin,
I am thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks for making it! I hope you have an awesome weekend:) xTieghan
Do you think these would still turn out well if I made the dough and precut the squares earlier in the day (several hours before actually frying)? I’m making Jambalaya on Friday and these would be a perfect pairing!
Absolutely delicious! Our family loves beignets and these did not disappoint!!! The cinnamon was a great touch! Makes a ton too! Yum!
Thank you so much Danielle! xTieghan
I have tried these cinnamon buttermilk beignets and they are really awesome. Farhat sweets is one of the best sweets and bakers in US and i usually try there products.
https://farhatsweets.com/category/next-day-air-sweets/
Thank you so much John! xTieghan
Are these able to be fried in a deep fryer, or only in a pan? I would really love to make them, but I flat-out do NOT fry anything in pans since I had a faulty thermometer and an entire pan of oil explode in flames years ago.
HI! You can certainly use a deep fryer for these. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Prettiest beignets, I just love these!
Thank you! xTieghan
They turned out amazing!! I will make them again.
Thank you Gayle!
oooooohhhhhh beignets!!!! love them!
They’re the best!! Thank you Ruth! xTieghan
Can you make the dough in advance and refrigerate the day before?
Hey Sarah! Yes, you can make the dough in advance and keep in the fridge. Just bring the dough to room temp before cooking. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
If you don’t have a thermometer to test the heat of the oil, how long approximately would you recommend heating the oil for before putting the beignets in? I can’t wait to make this recipe!
HI there! I’d heat the oil 10-15 minutes, then do a “test” beignet to test it. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
This post brings me back to a time with friends in New Orleans about two years ago. Of course, we had beignets because that’s what you do when you are in New Orleans. I’ve fried many a donut before but never a beignet. So thankful for the recipe. Also, your photo of the bowl of powdered sugar flying everywhere is AMAZING! It made this post so much fun. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Linger! I hope you try these! xTieghan
I used to be OBSESSED with beignets. Last summer, I tried these vegan beignets and fell in love with them all over again. Powdered sugar is the BEST topping to add onto beignets, but integrating cinnamon and buttermilk is super duper clever! Mardi Gras, ah, I wish there was a celebration near me because I’d be dancing and singing with everyone there, eating all the red beans and rice, vegan pancakes, and drinking all the kombucha in the world!
Ooo that sounds amazing! I hope you try these, Cassie! Thank you! xTieghan
These look amazing – I never knew they were so simple! I’ve bookmarked this as I know my other half will love them!
P.S. I made your naan for the first time last night and while I still need to practice getting the right pan heat for optimum bubbles, they came out better than any naan I’ve made in the past, and I won’t keep trying new recipes now, I’m just going to stick with yours!
I hope you both love these Rachel! Also, I am so glad you enjoyed the naan! That is one of my favorite recipes! xTieghan