If you’re craving a sweet, fluffy, and indulgent treat, look no further than these Vanilla French Beignets! These soft, pillowy pastries are fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, offering a crispy exterior and a warm, melt-in-your-mouth interior. With the addition of vanilla flavoring, these beignets offer a delightful twist on the classic French pastry. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, they’re sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vanilla French Beignets are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves a combination of light, airy dough and rich flavor. These beignets are easy to make at home and yield delicious results every time. The vanilla-infused dough makes them especially aromatic and flavorful, while the powdered sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweetness. Served fresh and warm, these beignets are perfect for special occasions or when you’re simply in the mood for something sweet and comforting.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• Vegetable 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, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.

2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough comes together and forms a sticky ball. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.

3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball, place it back into the bowl, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Roll and Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or rectangles (about 2 inches by 2 inches).

5. Heat the Oil: In a large, deep pot, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

6. Fry the Beignets: Working in batches, carefully drop the dough squares into the hot oil. Fry the beignets for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re 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.

7. Coat with Powdered Sugar: While the beignets are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15 beignets

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on frying batches)

• Total Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

• Flavored Beignets: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced twist. You can also experiment with other extracts like almond or hazelnut.

• Fruit Filling: For a filled version, pipe raspberry or strawberry jam into the center of the dough before frying.

• Chocolate Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle the beignets with melted chocolate after dusting with powdered sugar.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place beignets in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness. They’re best enjoyed fresh, though!

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, place it in the refrigerator and let it rise slowly overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before rolling out and frying.

2. Can I bake the beignets instead of frying them?

While frying is traditional and gives the beignets their signature texture, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown, for a lighter alternative.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?

You can use cake flour for a lighter, more delicate beignet, though all-purpose flour is the most common choice for this recipe.

4. Can I freeze the beignets?

Yes, you can freeze the beignets before frying them. After shaping the dough, place the beignets on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to fry, let them thaw for 30 minutes before frying.

5. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Alternatively, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.

6. Can I make these beignets without yeast?

For a quicker version, you can substitute baking powder for yeast. This will result in a slightly different texture, but still delicious beignets.

7. Can I add toppings to the beignets?

Yes, you can top the beignets with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or fresh berries for added flavor.

8. How do I make beignets extra crispy?

To get extra crispy beignets, make sure your oil is at the correct temperature and don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry the beignets in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

9. Can I make this dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

10. How do I prevent the beignets from being too greasy?

Make sure to drain the fried beignets on paper towels to remove excess oil. You can also try frying in smaller batches to maintain the oil temperature.

Conclusion

Vanilla French Beignets are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a sweet, fluffy pastry. These golden, crispy, and sugary delights are easy to make and incredibly satisfying, especially with their rich vanilla flavor. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or just a fun snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Light, crispy, and perfectly sweet, these beignets will transport you straight to a French café with every bite!

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