In short, Zeppole are Italian doughnuts, and beignets are French doughnuts. While zeppole and beignets are a form of fried dough, their shape is the most apparent difference. Beignets, a name that comes from a word meaning “lump,” are generally large squares. Zeppoles are soft, fried dough balls that are chewy, tender, and round. The dough also differs slightly in ingredients and method.