Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vanilla French beignets offer the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and softness on the inside. The addition of vanilla enhances their sweetness, making them even more delightful. They are surprisingly easy to make and taste like they came straight from a French bakery. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a homemade treat, these beignets will impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares or desired shapes.
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat oil to 360°F (182°C).
- Fry the Beignets: Fry in small batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side).
- Drain and Dust: Remove from oil, place on a paper towel, and immediately dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy fresh with coffee or a warm beverage.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 12 beignets
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1-2 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar Beignets: Instead of powdered sugar, coat them in cinnamon sugar.
- Stuffed Beignets: Fill them with custard, jam, or Nutella before frying.
- Baked Beignets: Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes for a healthier option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F for 5 minutes or in an air fryer at 300°F for 2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked beignets for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and bring it to room temperature before rolling and frying.
Can I bake beignets instead of frying?
Yes, but they will have a different texture. Bake at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best for frying beignets.
How do I know when the oil is ready?
Use a thermometer to maintain 360°F. If you drop a small dough piece in and it sizzles, it’s ready.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute it for active dry yeast without proofing it first.
How do I prevent greasy beignets?
Ensure the oil is hot enough (360°F) and avoid overcrowding the fryer.
What’s the best way to shape beignets?
A simple square cut works best, but you can use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, use a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
Why are my beignets dense?
Underproofed dough or too much flour can make them dense. Let them rise properly.
Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes! Try adding citrus zest or a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Vanilla French beignets are a delightful, indulgent treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you fry them up for a weekend brunch or a sweet snack, their light and fluffy texture combined with vanilla’s aromatic richness will make them a favorite. Serve them fresh, dusted with powdered sugar, and enjoy a taste of French-inspired
Vanilla French Beignets
Vanilla French beignets are light, airy, and deliciously sweet pastries, deep-fried to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. Infused with vanilla, these homemade beignets are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, just like the ones from a French bakery or New Orleans café!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 12 beignets
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares or desired shapes.
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat oil to 360°F (182°C).
- Fry the Beignets: Fry in small batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side).
- Drain and Dust: Remove from oil, place on a paper towel, and immediately dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy fresh with coffee or hot chocolate.
Notes
- For cinnamon sugar beignets, coat them in a mix of cinnamon and sugar instead of powdered sugar.
- Fill with custard, jam, or Nutella for a stuffed beignet variation.
- To bake instead of fry, bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes for a lighter option.
