Name: Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486685H5M57S
Total time: PT-14H10M57S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: For the Beignets:; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast; ¾ cup warm water; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup whole milk; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 cups all-purpose flour; Pinch of salt; Oil for frying; For Dusting:; Powdered sugar

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If you’ve ever indulged in a beignet from a French café or a New Orleans bakery, you know that these deep-fried, pillowy treats are the ultimate comfort food. These Vanilla French Beignets are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, dusted generously with powdered sugar for the perfect finish. With a rich vanilla flavor and a simple preparation, these beignets will transport you to a charming Parisian street corner or a lively New Orleans celebration with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Vanilla French Beignets are everything you want in a sweet pastry. The dough is soft and light, the vanilla flavor shines through, and the powdered sugar topping adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a weekend breakfast treat, a fun dessert, or a perfect snack to accompany your coffee, these beignets are sure to impress. They’re simple to make, and the result is a delightful indulgence that everyone will enjoy!

Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

Ingredients

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
¾ cup warm water
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is activated and ready to rise.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This will create a smooth and creamy base for your dough.

3. Form the Dough:

Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring to combine. Once the dough begins to form, transfer it to a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

4. Let the Dough Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

5. Shape the Beignets:

After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or a cookie cutter, cut the dough into squares or circles, depending on your preference.

6. Heat the Oil:

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough—it should immediately sizzle and rise to the top.

7. Fry the Beignets:

Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each beignet for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

8. Dust with Powdered Sugar:

Once the beignets are drained and still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 12-15 beignets
Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding rise time)
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 1.5-2 hours (including rise time)

Variations

Flavor Add-ins: For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough.
Different Shapes: While traditional beignets are square or rectangular, you can also make them into fun shapes like circles or even hearts for special occasions.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with a chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or fruit preserves for dipping.
Sweet Toppings: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the warm beignets for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Beignets are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They will lose some of their crispiness but will still taste delicious.
Reheating: To restore some of the crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it to allow it to rise slowly overnight. The next morning, punch it down, roll it out, and fry as usual.

Can I use a different type of yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated in warm water and can be added directly to the dry ingredients.

Can I make these beignets without eggs?

While eggs help the dough rise and create a rich texture, you can try substituting with an egg replacer like flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg substitute, although the texture may differ slightly.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in—it should immediately sizzle and float to the top. If it sinks to the bottom and takes a while to rise, the oil is too cold.

What kind of flour should I use?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. If you want a slightly lighter texture, you can mix in a small amount of cake flour.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and frying.

Can I use a deep fryer?

Yes, a deep fryer is ideal for frying beignets, but you can also use a large pot or Dutch oven filled with oil to achieve the same result. Just be sure to monitor the temperature to avoid burning the dough.

Conclusion

These Vanilla French Beignets are a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their light, airy texture and irresistible vanilla flavor, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. Dust them with powdered sugar, enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, and indulge in this sweet French classic, made easily at home.