Soft, golden, and infused with the unmistakable warmth of brewed coffee, these Glazed Coffee Beignets are a blissful twist on a classic New Orleans treat. The dough is gently perfumed with coffee and fried to fluffy perfection, then dipped in a luscious coffee glaze that melts into every bite.
Perfect for brunch, dessert, or an indulgent snack with your afternoon cup of joe, these beignets bring café-style flavor right to your kitchen. Serve warm, with an extra drizzle of glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, and watch them disappear in minutes!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
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1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
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3/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 large egg
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tbsp brewed coffee (cooled)
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
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Add the coffee, sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and 1 cup of flour. Mix until well combined.
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Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes).
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Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into squares or circles.
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Cover cut dough and let rise again for 30 minutes.
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Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
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Fry beignets in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, coffee, and vanilla until smooth.
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Dip each warm beignet in the glaze, then let sit on a rack to set.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Rising Time: 90 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 12 beignets
The Allure of Glazed Coffee Beignets
Glazed Coffee Beignets are the perfect blend of a French classic with the bold, familiar comfort of coffee. These pillowy bites of golden-fried dough are not just sweet treats — they’re a cozy morning ritual, an indulgent brunch item, or a late-night dessert with a cup of your favorite brew. What sets this recipe apart is the infusion of brewed coffee directly into the dough and glaze, creating a subtle bitterness that balances out the sugary notes in the most delightful way.
Coffee lovers and pastry enthusiasts alike will appreciate how this recipe celebrates both elements — the soft, chewy interior and crispy fried exterior of a traditional beignet, paired with the deep, robust flavor of coffee. It’s not just a treat for the palate but also a sensory experience, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh brew and warm dough.
Cultural Inspiration and Origins
The beignet has deep roots in French cuisine and was brought to Louisiana by French colonists in the 18th century. Over time, it became an iconic staple in New Orleans, often served hot and covered in powdered sugar at cafés like the world-renowned Café du Monde. This glazed coffee version is a contemporary twist that nods to that rich culinary heritage while offering something modern and new.
By incorporating coffee, this recipe also acknowledges the deep-rooted culture of coffee drinking, especially in American breakfasts and European café traditions. Coffee and pastries are a time-honored pairing, and this creation unites the two in a single bite. It honors the slow ritual of morning coffee while also delivering the excitement of a warm, fried treat.
Flavor Profile and Texture
These beignets deliver a unique balance of flavors. The dough itself is lightly sweetened and flavored with brewed coffee, giving it a warm and aromatic depth. Once fried, the outside becomes golden and slightly crisp, while the inside stays fluffy and airy. The real star, however, is the coffee glaze — a silky, sweet topping that hardens slightly as it sets, creating a satisfying contrast to the tender pastry underneath.
The result is a harmonious blend of bitterness from the coffee, sweetness from the glaze, and richness from the buttery dough. Each bite is multidimensional, lingering just long enough to make you reach for another.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a weekend breakfast for the family, or looking to elevate your coffee break, Glazed Coffee Beignets are a perfect choice. Their elegant presentation makes them great for entertaining, yet they’re simple enough to prepare at home with basic ingredients.
Serve them fresh and warm for the best experience, paired with a cup of espresso, a cappuccino, or even a glass of cold brew. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of cinnamon. For those who want to impress guests or simply treat themselves, these beignets add a touch of café-style indulgence to any setting.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
While beignets are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can still prepare parts of this recipe in advance. The dough can be mixed and refrigerated overnight, then brought to room temperature and fried the next day. This makes them a great option for brunches or special mornings where you don’t want to start from scratch.
After frying, store any leftover beignets in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. Reheat them briefly in the oven to regain some of the texture, although the glaze may slightly melt. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect both the texture and taste of the fried dough.
Customizations and Variations
One of the joys of this recipe is how versatile it can be. Want to take it up a notch? Try adding a dusting of espresso powder or cocoa to the glaze for a mocha twist. You can also spike the glaze with a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa for an adult-only treat.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider filling the beignets with coffee pastry cream or chocolate ganache before glazing them. Or, for a lighter variation, dust them with powdered sugar instead of glazing — still delicious and a bit more traditional.
For those avoiding caffeine, decaf coffee works just as well in both the dough and the glaze. You can also use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version, making this recipe flexible for different dietary preferences.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this Glazed Coffee Beignet recipe a winner is its simplicity and ability to deliver bakery-level results at home. The use of yeast gives the dough its characteristic lift and chew, while the coffee flavor infuses each bite without overpowering the sweetness. The glaze is quick and easy, yet incredibly effective in adding that shiny, flavorful finish.
It’s also a great introduction to working with yeast doughs for beginners — forgiving, straightforward, and rewarding. And once you’ve mastered this version, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again, experimenting with your own additions and variations.
Health and Nutritional Notes
While beignets are indulgent by nature, making them at home gives you more control over the ingredients. Using brewed coffee instead of extracts or syrups keeps the flavor authentic and clean. You can also reduce the sugar in the glaze slightly if you prefer a less sweet result.
Portion control is key — these are meant to be a treat, not an everyday snack. But thanks to their rich flavor and satisfying texture, even one or two can feel like a true indulgence without overdoing it.
A Visual and Aromatic Experience
Aside from taste, one of the best things about Glazed Coffee Beignets is the sensory experience they offer. As you fry the dough, the kitchen fills with that comforting scent of butter and rising yeast, mingling with the bold, roasted aroma of coffee. Watching the glaze drizzle and harden adds a visual satisfaction that makes this recipe feel luxurious and artisanal.
They’re beautiful to photograph, too — glossy, golden, and elegant enough to post on any food blog or social media page. Whether you’re a home cook, a content creator, or someone simply passionate about pastries, these beignets bring both flavor and flair.
Conclusion
Glazed Coffee Beignets are more than just a sweet bite — they’re an experience, a little culinary escape that blends classic French pastry technique with modern coffee culture. They bring together texture, flavor, and aroma in a way that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.
Whether you’re crafting a slow weekend brunch, surprising a loved one with a homemade treat, or just indulging in your love of coffee in a new way, this recipe delivers every time. It’s approachable for beginners, rewarding for experienced bakers, and utterly irresistible to anyone who takes that first bite. Once you’ve had one, you’ll understand why these beignets might just become your new favorite way to enjoy coffee — not just in a mug, but in a warm, golden, glazed delight.