Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Classic Vanilla French Beignets are light, airy fried dough pastries with a subtle vanilla flavor, dusted generously with powdered sugar. Perfect as a sweet treat for breakfast or dessert, these beignets are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: About 12 beignets 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
For Topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and vanilla extract. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape Beignets: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into 2-3 inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Heat Oil: In a deep heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor temperature for even frying.
- Fry Beignets: Carefully add a few dough pieces into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side or until puffed and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn the beignets and remove them when done.
- Drain and Cool: Place fried beignets on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Dust with Sugar: Generously dust the beignets with powdered sugar while still warm. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature between 350-365°F for optimal puffing and crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pot to ensure even cooking.
- Use vanilla bean paste or extract for a richer vanilla flavor.
- Beignets are best enjoyed fresh; they tend to lose crispness when cooled.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend formulated for baking.
Keywords: Vanilla beignets, French beignets, fried dough pastry, powdered sugar beignets, classic French dessert
Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/vanilla-french-beignets-recipe/
