If you’re craving a sweet, pillowy treat that melts in your mouth, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe. These golden pillows of fried dough are light, fluffy, and infused with the most comforting vanilla flavor. Perfectly dusted with powdered sugar, they bring a little slice of classic French indulgence right to your kitchen. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the fryer or shared with friends and family, these beignets promise to make any day a bit more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe lies in a few simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the yeast that creates that irresistible puffiness, to the vanilla extract that elevates the flavor to something truly unforgettable.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Essential for a light and airy texture, yeast makes these beignets rise perfectly.
- Warm milk (3/4 cup at 110°F): Activates the yeast gently and adds a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the flavors with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and richness to the dough.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Adds luscious moisture and depth to every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): The star of the show, lending that classic, warm flavor that defines this recipe.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The foundation that builds the soft but sturdy dough.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors beautifully without being overpowering.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Creates that irresistible crispy exterior.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A light, sweet finish that’s utterly irresistible.
How to Make Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast in the warm milk. This step is crucial; it wakes up the yeast, getting it bubbly and ready to work its magic in your dough. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy cap — that’s your cue to move forward!
Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Once your yeast mixture is foamy, whisk in the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and that lovely tablespoon of vanilla extract. These ingredients together create a rich and flavorful base for your dough that is perfectly balanced between sweet and buttery.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough begins to form. This part requires patience — you want a dough that feels supple and slightly sticky but pulls away from the bowl cleanly as you stir.
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. This step develops the gluten, giving your beignets that signature chew and elasticity. When the dough becomes smooth and elastic, it’s ready for the next phase.
Step 5: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it. Find a warm, cozy spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it’s doubled in size. This rising period is where the beignets get their airy volume, so don’t rush it!
Step 6: Shape the Beignets
Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Then, cut it into 2-inch squares — the perfect size for bite-sized, fluffy delights. The uniform shape helps them cook evenly, so take your time with this step.
Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the beignets in batches for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown and puffed up like little clouds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels to keep them crispy.
How to Serve Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Garnishes
A generous dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to transform these beignets into an elegant treat. For a fun twist, you might sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top, adding warmth to every bite. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey can also elevate their presentation.
Side Dishes
While these Vanilla French Beignets are a treat all on their own, pairing them with a cup of strong coffee or rich hot chocolate creates a breakfast or dessert moment you’ll cherish. A side of fresh fruit can add a refreshing contrast to the sweet, fried dough.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your beignets in a tower for a show-stopping centerpiece or serve them alongside small bowls of fruit preserves, whipped cream, or pastry cream for dipping. You can even fill them! Just slice gently and add your favorite jam or custard for a delightful surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Vanilla French beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll soften a bit, but a quick reheat can bring back some of their original charm.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a treat, thaw at room temperature briefly before reheating to enjoy their fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
Reheat beignets in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes to revive their crispiness and warm the vanilla goodness within. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep their delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make the dough without eggs?
Eggs contribute to the tenderness and richness of the beignets, but if you need an egg-free version, you can try substituting with unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Why do my beignets turn out dense?
Dense beignets often mean the dough didn’t rise enough or wasn’t kneaded properly. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active, and allow the dough to double in size before frying to ensure a light, airy result.
What oil is best for frying beignets?
Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can also use peanut or canola oil. Just ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked treats.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of orange blossom water can add exciting notes. Just be careful not to overpower the vanilla, which is the heart of this recipe.
How long can I keep powdered sugar on the beignets before serving?
Powdered sugar looks best when dusted shortly before serving to maintain its fresh, snowy appearance. If dusted too early, it may dissolve or look damp, so wait until the last moment for the perfect finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the first bite into a warm, fluffy beignet dusted in powdered sugar, especially when it’s infused with just the right touch of vanilla. This Vanilla French Beignets Recipe brings a little piece of joyful indulgence into your kitchen, simple enough for any day but impressive enough for special occasions. Don’t wait to try making these charming treats — your taste buds will thank you!
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Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 beignets
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic French Vanilla Beignets, light and fluffy fried dough squares dusted generously with powdered sugar. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, these beignets carry a subtle vanilla flavor, making them an irresistible dessert or sweet treat inspired by New Orleans charm.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast into the warm milk (110°F) and let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, signalling the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough Mixture: Add the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture, whisking together until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms that is slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten structure.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Beignets: Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Heat Oil: In a deep pot or heavy-bottomed pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure optimal frying temperature.
- Fry Beignets: Fry the dough squares in batches without overcrowding for 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until they puff up and achieve a golden brown color.
- Drain and Dust: Using a slotted spoon, remove the beignets from oil and place them onto paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving for that signature sweet finish.
Notes
- Beignets are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the fryer for optimal texture and flavor.
- Enhance the dough by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the flour for a subtle spicy note.
- For a delightful variation, fill the fried beignets with pastry cream or your favorite jam after frying for an added layer of indulgence.
