Glazed Buttermilk Beignet Squares are everything we love about Southern bakery treats—golden and lightly crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that melts into every warm bite. These delightful fried pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break when you’re craving something extra special.
There’s something magical about homemade beignets. The aroma of warm dough and vanilla glaze instantly transforms your kitchen into a cozy bakery, and trust me, these squares disappear almost as quickly as they’re made! If you love comforting homemade treats, subscribe to receive more delicious recipes by email.
Overview of Recipe Content
These Glazed Buttermilk Beignet Squares are inspired by classic Southern bakery pastries and the beloved New Orleans-style beignet. The addition of buttermilk creates an exceptionally tender dough with a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweet vanilla glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy, and perfectly tender
- Crispy golden exterior
- Sweet vanilla glaze that soaks into the warm beignets
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a warm, airy doughnut with a delicate crispness on the outside and a cloud-like center. The vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, making every bite utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Beignets
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk, warmed
- ¼ cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Thermometer
- Cooling rack
Suggested Substitutions & Additions
- Add cinnamon to the glaze for extra warmth.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a bakery-style twist.
- Top with chopped pecans or toasted coconut.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate for a dessert variation.
How to Make Glazed Buttermilk Beignet Squares
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the warm buttermilk, milk, eggs, and melted butter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead
Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Watching dough rise always feels like kitchen magic!
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it to about ½-inch thickness.
Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut into 2-inch squares.
Step 5: Fry the Beignets
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the squares in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown and puffed.
The moment they hit the oil, they’ll balloon into soft little pillows of perfection.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze the Beignets
While the beignets are still warm, dip them into the vanilla glaze or drizzle generously over the tops.
Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving—if you can wait that long!
What to Serve with Glazed Buttermilk Beignet Squares
These sweet bakery-style treats pair beautifully with:
- Freshly brewed coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Café au lait
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream and caramel sauce
More delicious recipes from Poulef:
- https://poulef.com/vanilla-cupcakes-homemade
- https://poulef.com/chocolate-chip-loaf
- https://poulef.com/lemon-pound-cake
- https://poulef.com/banana-bread-classic
- https://poulef.com/marble-cake-chocolate-vanilla
For even more baking inspiration:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Tips for Making Them Perfect
- Do not overheat the milk or buttermilk; warm liquids help activate yeast properly.
- Keep the oil at 350°F for even cooking.
- Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
- Glaze the beignets while they’re still warm for maximum flavor.
- Serve fresh for the softest texture.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze unglazed beignets for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds or in a low oven before glazing.
General Information
Beignets have deep roots in French cuisine and became an iconic Southern pastry after arriving in Louisiana with French settlers. Southern bakeries often put their own spin on traditional beignets by glazing them instead of dusting them with powdered sugar.
These Glazed Buttermilk Beignet Squares combine the rich tang of buttermilk with the soft, airy texture that makes beignets famous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise.
Why didn’t my beignets puff up?
The oil may not have been hot enough, or the dough didn’t rise sufficiently.
Can I use instant yeast?
Absolutely. Use the same amount and mix directly into the flour.
Can I air fry these?
Traditional frying gives the best texture, but they can be air-fried with a light spray of oil.
Can I use powdered sugar instead of glaze?
Yes! Classic powdered sugar is always delicious.
Conclusion
These Glazed Buttermilk Beignet Squares are soft, fluffy, sweet, and wonderfully comforting. With their crispy golden exterior and tender, airy center, they taste like something straight from your favorite Southern bakery.
Whether served with morning coffee, shared at brunch, or enjoyed as an afternoon indulgence, these glazed beignets are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Thank you for baking with me today. I hope these pillowy little squares bring a little Southern comfort and sweetness to your kitchen!
Interactive Elements
Did you make these Glazed Buttermilk Beignet Squares? Leave a review below and tell me your favorite way to enjoy them!
Share your beautiful beignets on Pinterest and tag me:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Nutritional Information (Per Beignet)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Irresistible Glazed Buttermilk Beignet Squares (Light, Fluffy & Bakery-Style Recipe)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 beignet squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light, fluffy buttermilk beignet squares coated in a sweet vanilla glaze with a crispy exterior and soft, pillowy center.
Ingredients
3¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm buttermilk
¼ cup warm milk
2 large eggs
¼ cup melted butter
Vegetable oil for frying
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine warm buttermilk, warm milk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1½ hours or until doubled in size.
6. Roll dough to about ½-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares.
7. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
8. Fry beignets in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
9. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to make the glaze.
10. Dip warm beignets into the glaze and allow excess glaze to drip off before serving.
Notes
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Keep oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for even frying.
Glaze while the beignets are still warm.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet square
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
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Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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