These Glazed Buttermilk Beignets are soft, pillowy clouds of fried dough, enriched with tangy buttermilk and coated in a silky vanilla glaze. A delicious cross between a classic beignet and a glazed donut, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something warm and sweet.
Crispy on the outside, airy on the inside, and dripping with glaze—this New Orleans-inspired treat is truly next level!
Why You’ll Love Them
- ✅ Golden, crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture
- ✅ Rich flavor thanks to buttermilk and vanilla
- ✅ Easy to glaze, dip, or dust with powdered sugar
- ✅ Perfect for holidays, brunch, or cozy weekends
- ✅ Make ahead and fry fresh in the morning

Ingredients
For the Beignets:
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- Oil, for frying
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or buttermilk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in buttermilk, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead until smooth (about 5–6 minutes), then cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.
Step 2: Roll & Cut
Punch down dough and roll out to ½-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares or circles using a knife or cookie cutter.
Step 3: Fry the Beignets
Heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot. Fry beignets in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Glaze
Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. While beignets are warm (but not hot), dip them into the glaze or drizzle over the top. Let set for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
- 🍋 Add lemon zest to glaze for a citrus twist
- 🍫 Dip in chocolate ganache instead of vanilla glaze
- 🎉 Fill with custard, jam, or Nutella
- 🍁 Add cinnamon or maple to the glaze for fall flavor
Perfect For:
- 🎂 Weekend brunch or birthdays
- ☕ Serving with coffee or café au lait
- 🥞 Replacing pancakes for a fun morning surprise
- 🍩 DIY donut bar at events
Final Thoughts
Glazed Buttermilk Beignets are a bakery-quality treat you can make at home—light, fluffy, sweet, and glazed to perfection. Whether you’re indulging on a Sunday morning or treating guests, these melt-in-your-mouth bites are sure to impress.