Vanilla French Beignets

If you love warm, pillowy pastries with a hint of vanilla and a dusting of powdered sugar, these Vanilla French Beignets are a must-try! These deep-fried, golden delights are crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon treat!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light & Airy Texture – Soft and fluffy on the inside.
• Classic French Flavor – Subtle vanilla sweetness with a perfect crisp.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for brunch, holidays, or a quick indulgence.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a foolproof method.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups) – The base for soft, airy beignets.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup) – Adds sweetness.
• Active Dry Yeast (2¼ tsp or 1 packet) – Helps the dough rise.
• Warm Milk (¾ cup, around 110°F/43°C) – Activates the yeast.
• Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp, melted) – Adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract (1½ tsp) – Brings a warm, sweet aroma.
• Egg (1 large) – Binds the dough together.
• Salt (½ tsp) – Balances the sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil (for frying) – Creates a crispy, golden texture.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting) – A classic finishing touch.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rolling pin
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels

How to Make Vanilla French Beignets

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1½ hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares or circles.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry beignets in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Dust and Serve

Generously dust with powdered sugar while warm. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve with Vanilla Beignets

• Hot Coffee or Espresso – A perfect pairing.
• Chocolate or Caramel Sauce – For dipping.
• Fresh Berries – Adds a fruity contrast.

Tips for Perfect Beignets

• Don’t Overwork the Dough – Knead just until smooth.
• Maintain Oil Temperature – Too hot, and they burn; too cool, and they absorb oil.
• Dust with Sugar While Warm – Helps it stick better.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freeze – Freeze for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven.
• Reheat – Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate overnight and fry the next day.

Can I bake instead of frying?
Beignets are best fried, but you can bake them at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

Do I need a deep fryer?
No! A heavy-bottomed pot works just fine.

Conclusion

These Vanilla French Beignets are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet! Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, they’re an irresistible treat that will transport you straight to a Parisian café.

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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1½ hours
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: French

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 220 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 120mg

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