Description
Light, airy, and pillowy fried dough dusted in powdered sugar—these French beignets are a café favorite and bring a taste of Paris right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, salt, vanilla extract, egg, and warm milk to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Add softened butter and knead the dough (by hand or with a stand mixer) for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2 to 3-inch squares using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry beignets in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until puffed and golden.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer beignets to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350°F for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the pot when frying to allow beignets to puff properly.
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm, as they lose their fluffiness over time.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
