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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.

close up side angle photo of Easiest Cinnamon Buttermilk Beignets

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.

beignet dough before frying

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.

Beignets frying in oil

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.

Beignets being coated in powdered sugar

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?

overhead photo of Easiest Cinnamon Buttermilk Beignets

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.

Easiest Cinnamon Buttermilk Beignets broken in half

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.

side angled photo of Easiest Cinnamon Buttermilk Beignets

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!

overhead close up photo of Easiest Cinnamon Buttermilk Beignets

side angled photo of Easiest Cinnamon Buttermilk Beignets

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.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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

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
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Comments

  1. I am going to a Mardi Gras party and thought I would make these – can I make them that day and bring to the party? Or are they only good if I serve them up hot, immediately after making?

    1. Hey Charlotte,
      These would be just fine for you to serve at room temp! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx

        1. Hey Danielle,
          So sorry, I have never tested this dough in the air fryer, you could certainly give it a try but your best results are going to be doing the traditional stove top fry. I hope you love the recipe! xx

  2. Mine were not as pretty as yours, but there were delicious! I’ve only had beignets once and it wasn’t in New Orleans, but I wouldn’t have thought I could make them. Your recipes always give me the confidence to try. I can’t wait for my cookbook to get here!

    1. Hey Tracy,
      Happy Friday!! Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a go, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! xTieghan

  3. can i know what was the buttermilk that u put on this recipe? or else i can make my own? and how? thanks before

    1. Hey Tristy,
      I just used store bought buttermilk:) I hope the recipe turns out amazing for you, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan

  4. Thank you for your quick response ! I tried to reply to your response but it was acting weird. I have an additional question, on what speed should we mix the dough on ? I anticipated it being about medium speed because of the time allotted for the dough to come together. I just wanted to double check. Thank you for the recipe all the other recipes I stumbled upon didn’t have the hollow center like your does that is a characteristic of a beignet.

  5. 5 stars
    I just want to thank you not only for this recipe but for all of your recipes. I make one of your recipes at least once a day! I have a big family of my own, and I have to cook three meals a day, seven days a week. Ever since I bought your two cookbooks, my family has raved about my cooking. I couldn’t thank you more! When is the next cookbook?!

    1. Hey Erin,
      I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for trying it out! Thank you so much for your super kind message, the new cookbook is coming soon:) Happy Friday! xTieghan

  6. I am wanting to make these for a family potluck. In one of your response it states that you can keep in refrigerator until ready to fry and allow it to room come to room temperature. Do we allow allow it to double in size And then put it in the refrigerator or allow it to double in size in the refrigerator. I know it’ll double in size slower in the refrigerator.

    1. Hey Naydine,
      I would allow to double in size, place in the fridge, and then let the dough come back to room temp before using. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      1. Hi. This answer helped me too. I came to ask the same thing because I want to make some for my a mom group I’m involved in and it’s our turn to bring some food items. Anyways, I would like to make them the day before and then fry them up right before I leave in the morning.
        When I leave them in the fridge overnight (after rising) should I cover them with a damp towel still? Will that do any good? I just want it to be yummy and fresh for everyone!

        Also- I use your recipes so so often. Probably a couple times a week and they are always SO great!