So popular they even have their own mug!

Beignets are a fried dough snack with a slightly crispy exterior and a pillowy-soft inside. Right after they come out of the fryer each beignet is dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Traditionally they’re made in a rectangular shape, but of course Disney had to put their own spin on it, and thus the Mickey Beignet was born!

Mickey Beignet

Besides the regular beignet, which has a similar flavor to funnel cake, Disney also releases seasonal flavors. We’ve seen Pumpkin Spice Beignets in the fall as well as more unique takes like the Maple Beignets with Maple-Bacon Dipping Sauce. These can be just as popular as the standard beignets, especially when they are a limited-time offering.

Maple Beignets with Maple-Bacon Dipping Sauce

You might be thinking “but don’t they have beignets in Disney World? What makes these so special?” While it’s true you can find beignets in places like Scat Cat’s Club Cafe in the Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter, there’s something special about the ones over on the West Coast. Maybe it’s the fact that this is their birthplace, or maybe it’s the beautiful setting of New Orleans Square that makes them extra tasty!

New Orleans Square

In Disneyland you can currently find beignets at the Royal Street Veranda in New Orleans Square, and over in Downtown Disney at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio. Right now, the Mint Julep Bar  which used to have beignets is closed as the attached French Market Restaurant is being re-themed to Tiana’s Palace. However, once the new restaurant re-opens you’ll be happy to know the Mint Julep Bar will return along with its signature drinks and fresh beignets!

Tiana’s Palace concept art ©Disney

Craving beignets but can’t make to the parks right now? This recipe shows you how to replicate the Disney snack, right down to the adorable Mickey ears!

Mickey Beignets

This recipe will create about 10 large beignets or 2 dozen small beignets.

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (105°)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar

Steps

1. Sprinkle the yeast into a bowl full of warm water and stir to dissolve. Let stand for 5 minutes
2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, shortening, salt, heavy cream, egg, flour, and bowling water.
3. Add in the yeast mixture to your large bowl.
4. Use an electric mixer with a dough hook attachment to mix the dough on medium speed until combined and smooth.
5. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
6. Roll the dough out to quarter-inch thickness. Use a Mickey Mouse-shaped cutter to cut your beignets, or cut into 2.5 to 3-inch squares.
7. Cover the cut dough with a towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This should be about 1 to 1.5 hours.
8. Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep pot over medium-high heat. Fry the beignets until golden brown, turning as they brown on each side. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes each.
9. Remove carefully with tongs and place on a paper towel to drain.
10. Dust the warm beignets with powdered sugar and enjoy!