There’s something magical about biting into a warm beignet—crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy inside, and dusted with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. For many, they bring back sweet memories of cozy mornings, family gatherings, or trips to New Orleans. But here’s the best part: you don’t need gluten to enjoy them!
This Gluten-Free Beignets recipe is beginner-friendly, simple to make with pantry staples, and delivers all the flavor and comfort of the classic treat. Perfect with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or just as a cozy snack, these little pillows of joy are guaranteed to bring smiles to your table.
Recipe Info
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories (approx. per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dessert / Snack | 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 12 | ~210 kcal |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Activate the yeast. In a small bowl, stir yeast and sugar into the warm milk. Let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir in the yeast mixture. Slowly add flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Let it rise. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll and cut. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thick. Cut into 2-inch squares (a pizza cutter works great).
- Heat the oil. In a deep pot, heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the beignets. Fry a few pieces at a time, turning once, until golden brown (about 1–2 minutes per side). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Dust and enjoy. Generously sprinkle with powdered sugar while still warm and serve immediately.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Oil temperature matters: Keep the oil at 350°F for best results. Too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll soak up oil.
- Make ahead: Dough can be made the night before and refrigerated. Let it come to room temp before frying.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftover beignets can be reheated in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Cinnamon sugar twist: Toss freshly fried beignets in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.
- Stuffed beignets: Fill with a spoonful of Nutella, jam, or cream cheese before frying.
- Dairy-free option: Use almond milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with café au lait or hot chocolate for a true New Orleans-inspired breakfast.
- Serve as a sweet treat after a savory Creole or Cajun meal.
- Add fresh berries on the side for a pop of freshness.
Conclusion
These Gluten-Free Beignets prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—or filled with gluten. With their golden edges, fluffy centers, and sweet powdered sugar topping, they bring warmth and joy to any moment. Gather your loved ones, brew some coffee, and savor these little pillows of happiness fresh from the fryer.