Description
Vanilla French Beignets are airy, golden-fried pastries lightly flavored with vanilla and generously dusted with powdered sugar. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until combined, then knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares.
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the beignets in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Cool slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the yeast is active and foamy before mixing to guarantee proper rising.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying and proper puffing.
- Store cooled beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness; avoid microwaving.
- Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat from frozen in the oven.
- Optional: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
