Hey y'all! If you're craving a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat, these Vanilla French Beignets are about to become your new go-to. Light, airy, and kissed with vanilla, these golden pillows are perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime you want to wow your guests. They puff up beautifully, dusted in powdered sugar, and pair perfectly with a cup of coffee. Ready to whip up a batch of pure joy? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
- They're super easy to make at home with simple pantry ingredients.
- Infused with fragrant vanilla, these beignets are ultra-fluffy and flavorful.
- Perfect for sharing at brunch, breakfast, or as an impressive dessert.
- Customizable — you can add your favorite toppings or fillings.
- Guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress guests!
Ingredients for Vanilla French Beignets
- 3 ¼ cups (400g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoon (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup (60g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How to Make Vanilla French Beignets
Step 1: Prepare the Beignet Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm milk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix briefly to distribute.
- Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the foamy yeast mixture.
- Mix on low speed (or with a wooden spoon) until the dough comes together, then knead on medium speed (or by hand on a floured surface) for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
- Let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape and Cut Vanilla French Beignets
- Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Roll to about ½-inch (1.3 cm) thick. Cut into 2-inch (5 cm) squares using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
- Transfer squares to a parchment-lined sheet, cover, and let them rest for 20-30 minutes until slightly puffy.
Step 4: Fry the Beignets
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry beignets 3-4 at a time, about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the best texture!
Notes & Tips for Perfect Vanilla French Beignets
- Don't rush the rise: Letting the dough double gives you extra fluffy beignets. Learn more about yeast dough techniques at King Arthur Baking.
- Maintain oil at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking. An instant-read thermometer is super helpful.
- For extra depth, try using vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
Vanilla French Beignets Variations
- Chocolate Glazed Beignets: Dip warm beignets in melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
- Lemon Zest Beignets: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Jam-Filled Beignets: Pipe your favorite fruit jam into beignets just after frying.
Required Equipment for Vanilla French Beignets
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter or sharp knife
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Instant-read thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels and wire rack
Storage Instructions: Keeping Vanilla French Beignets Fresh
Vanilla French Beignets are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-8 minutes. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make them tough. For longer storage, freeze uncoated beignets for up to 1 month and reheat directly from the freezer.
Serving Recommendations for Vanilla French Beignets
- Serve alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for brunch.
- Pair with hot coffee, café au lait, or hot chocolate for a classic touch.
- Top with your favorite sauces, such as salted caramel or berry compote.
Pro Tips for the Best Vanilla French Beignets
- Be sure not to overcrowd the pot; fry in small batches for even puff and color (see more tips at Serious Eats).
- Let the rolled dough rest before frying—this makes them extra pillowy.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for the freshest finish. Adjust with a mesh strainer for an even coating.
Frequently Asked Questions: Vanilla French Beignets
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, cover, and refrigerate it overnight for a convenient morning fry.
Can I make Vanilla French Beignets without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Just mix and knead by hand—it takes a little more effort but works great.
What oil is best for frying beignets?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil for crisp, light results. For more on cooking oils, check this oil guide.
Prep time: 20 minutes | Rising time: 1.5-2 hours | Frying and finish: 40 minutes | Total time: about 2.5-3 hours
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
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1In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder.
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2In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.
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3Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms. Do not overmix.
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4Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
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5Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough into the hot oil, frying 3–4 at a time. Fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
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6Remove beignets with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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