Description
These Vanilla French Beignets are light, fluffy pastries with a crisp exterior and a soft, airy interior. Flavored with vanilla and dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a taste of Parisian café culture right at home. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add melted butter and knead the dough until smooth and elastic—about 6–8 minutes by hand or 4–5 minutes with a stand mixer.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into squares or rounds using a knife or dough cutter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the beignets in batches for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a citrusy twist, add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the dough.
- To make filled beignets, pipe jam, custard, or chocolate into cooled beignets.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration.
- Freeze for up to 1 month and reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
- Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
