These Vanilla French Beignets are fluffy, sweet, and perfectly golden brown. With a delicate vanilla flavor, they melt in your mouth, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Coated in powdered sugar and served warm, these beignets are irresistible!
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Why You’ll Love These Vanilla French Beignets
- Light and fluffy: The beignets are airy on the inside with a perfect crispy exterior.
- Vanilla flavor: Infused with vanilla for a subtly sweet, aromatic taste.
- Quick and easy: Made from simple ingredients and deep-fried to golden perfection.
- Coated in powdered sugar: Every bite is dusted with sweetness, just like the beignets from New Orleans.
Ingredients for Vanilla French Beignets
For the Beignet Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Powdered Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Fryer or large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Cooling rack (optional)
How to Make Vanilla French Beignets
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a larger bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, beaten egg, softened butter, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms. You may need to knead it gently for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into small squares (about 2-3 inches each). You can also use a round cookie cutter if you prefer circular beignets.
Step 4: Fry the Beignets
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop the dough squares into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Coat in Powdered Sugar
- While the beignets are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. You can place them in a paper bag with powdered sugar and shake them gently for an even coating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these beignets warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
- Enjoy them with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or fruit preserves for an added treat.
- Pair with whipped cream or fresh berries for a more decadent dessert.
Tips for the Best Vanilla French Beignets
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature. If it’s too hot, the beignets will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, they will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer—fry in small batches to ensure even cooking.
- If you want a lighter texture, you can sift the flour before mixing it into the dough.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Beignets are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before frying.
Can I make these beignets without a deep fryer?
Yes, you can fry them in a large pot or Dutch oven with enough oil to submerge the beignets.
Can I freeze these beignets?
Yes, you can freeze the beignets after frying. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Conclusion: A Sweet, Vanilla-Infused Delight
These Vanilla French Beignets are soft, airy, and coated in sweet powdered sugar. They’re a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether for brunch, a special dessert, or just a sweet snack, these beignets will transport you straight to the streets of Paris or New Orleans.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1.5 hours
Frying Time: 3-4 minutes
Cuisine: French-Inspired, Dessert
Nutritional Information (per beignet)
Calories: 180
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Enjoy every fluffy, sweet bite of these delicious Vanilla French Beignets!
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Vanilla French Beignets
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
These Vanilla French Beignets are fluffy, sweet, and perfectly golden brown. With a delicate vanilla flavor, they melt in your mouth, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Coated in powdered sugar and served warm, these beignets are irresistible!
Subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious dessert recipes and get this one delivered straight to your inbox.
Ingredients
For the Beignet Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Powdered Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a larger bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, beaten egg, softened butter, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms. You may need to knead it gently for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into small squares (about 2-3 inches each). You can also use a round cookie cutter if you prefer circular beignets.
Step 4: Fry the Beignets
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop the dough squares into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Coat in Powdered Sugar
- While the beignets are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. You can place them in a paper bag with powdered sugar and shake them gently for an even coating.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature. If it’s too hot, the beignets will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, they will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer—fry in small batches to ensure even cooking.
- If you want a lighter texture, you can sift the flour before mixing it into the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time:: 1.5 hours
- Cook Time: 3-4 minutes
- Cuisine: French-Inspired, Dessert
