Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Light, fluffy, and kissed with a whisper of real vanilla, these Vanilla French Beignets are the embodiment of Parisian café bliss—right from your own kitchen. Imagine golden pillows of fried dough, still warm and meltingly soft inside, each one dusted generously with powdered sugar. This is the sort of recipe that turns any morning an occasion and guarantees plenty of delighted smiles at your table. Whether you’re already a beignet fan or simply seeking a new classic, Vanilla French Beignets weave together simplicity and utter indulgence, inviting everyone to experience the irresistible magic of French treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Vanilla French Beignets is how they rely on a handful of pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in flavor, fluff, or unmistakable golden color. Don’t underestimate the power of great ingredients: each one brings these dreamy beignets to life!
- All-purpose flour: The base of our dough, creating a soft, pillowy texture that fries up with just the right chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness to the dough, balancing the fried exterior with a hint of inner delight.
- Active dry yeast: The magic-maker for rising and fluffiness, giving each beignet its signature lightness.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors, preventing your Vanilla French Beignets from tasting flat.
- Warm milk: Adds richness and moisture, helping the yeast spring to life (aim for 110°F—comfortably warm to the touch).
- Unsalted butter (melted): Lends depth and a decadent, bakery-fresh flavor to every golden bite.
- Pure vanilla extract: The star note—real vanilla carries those unmistakable aromatic undertones that make these beignets sing.
- Vegetable oil: For deep frying; opt for a neutral, high-smoke point oil to achieve that beautiful, even crispness.
- Powdered sugar: The final flourish! A snowy dusting transforms beignets into irresistible bites of heaven.
How to Make Vanilla French Beignets
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
To start, gather your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk these together thoroughly to distribute the yeast and sugar evenly—this ensures every beignet rises to the perfect fluff and sweetness. Starting with a well-combined base is key for the dough’s consistency and rise.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the warm milk, melted unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract. The milk should feel warm (not hot) to the touch; think gentle bath temperature. This warmth is essential to activate the yeast without killing it, and that hit of vanilla in the mix will infuse subtle fragrance through the dough.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently with a sturdy wooden spoon. As the dough comes together, keep stirring until there are no dry spots and the mixture is shaggy but cohesive. Be patient with this step—well-mixed dough means even, puffy beignets later.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it by hand for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If it seems overly sticky, just sprinkle a touch more flour as you go. You want the dough to bounce back when pressed, which means the gluten is developed and ready for rising.
Step 5: First Rise
Gather your kneaded dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and turn it once to coat all sides lightly with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 1.5 hours in a warm, draft-free spot, until it’s doubled in size. Watching it rise is half the anticipation—and totally worth the wait for the fluffiest Vanilla French Beignets.
Step 6: Shape the Beignets
Punch down the dough after rising to release any extra air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into small 2×2 inch squares. Uniform shapes ensure even frying and a picture-perfect beignet batch.
Step 7: Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot so it’s about 2 inches deep. Bring the oil to 360°F, checking with a candy or deep-fry thermometer. The right temperature means your Vanilla French Beignets will puff instantly and cook to a golden brown without absorbing excess oil.
Step 8: Fry the Beignets
Carefully add a few dough squares at a time to the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd. Fry each for 1 to 2 minutes per side, flipping them once they’re beautifully golden and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate, letting them drain any extra oil. This step is where the magic truly happens!
Step 9: Serve
While still warm, shower the fried beignets with a generous snowfall of powdered sugar. There’s nothing quite like watching the sugar melt slightly into the golden surface—your homemade Vanilla French Beignets are now ready to steal the show.
Step 10: Cooling
If you’re not serving immediately, place the beignets on a wire rack. This simple trick keeps their edges crisp and prevents any sogginess, so every bite stays light-as-air.
How to Serve Vanilla French Beignets
Garnishes
The only thing better than a warm Vanilla French Beignet is one dressed up to impress! Traditionally, a mountain of powdered sugar is all you need for that iconic look and sweet touch. For an extra flourish, consider a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate, a drizzle of caramel, or even a scattering of colorful edible flowers for a brunch-worthy platter.
Side Dishes
Pairing is half the fun! Enjoy Vanilla French Beignets with fresh berries for a pop of brightness, or alongside a bowl of whipped cream or thick vanilla yogurt. For a Parisian afternoon twist, serve them with rich hot chocolate, café au lait, or a glass of sparkling mimosa.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the basics: pile your beignets into a rustic bread basket lined with linen, or stack them high on a tiered dessert stand for dramatic effect. For gatherings, skewer mini beignets with fruit, or create a “make-your-own beignet bar” with different dips and toppings. Vanilla French Beignets are all about joy, so let your creativity shine as you present them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Vanilla French Beignets (lucky you!), let them cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. While they’re at their freshest just-fried, a quick warm-up brings them back to life the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange cooled beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. To enjoy later, simply reheat from frozen—no need to thaw first.
Reheating
To re-crisp leftover or frozen Vanilla French Beignets, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until hot and fresh-tasting. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them chewy instead of delightfully crisp. A quick dusting of fresh powdered sugar before serving revives that bakery-fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I make Vanilla French Beignets in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise the night before, cover it, and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply roll, cut, and fry for fresh beignets with minimal effort.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. These keep the flavor clean and ensure even browning without overpowering the delicate vanilla notes.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can replace active dry yeast in a 1:1 ratio. Simply add it directly to the flour—no need to dissolve in the liquid first. The rising time may be a touch faster, so keep an eye on your dough.
Why are my beignets dense instead of fluffy?
Dense beignets often result from under-kneading, expired yeast, or cutting the rising time short. Make sure you knead the dough well, give it ample time to double in size, and always check your yeast’s freshness for best results.
How do I get the perfect powdered sugar topping?
Sift the powdered sugar generously over the beignets while they’re still warm. For an even coating, consider shaking the beignets and sugar together gently in a paper bag—a classic trick that creates that iconic snowy beignet look!
Final Thoughts
Now you have everything you need to bring a taste of Paris into your home with these Vanilla French Beignets. Each batch is a celebration of simple ingredients and pure joy, destined to become a favorite for breakfast, dessert, or whenever you crave a little extra magic. Gather your loved ones, fry up a plateful, and treat yourself to the cozy comfort of homemade beignets—you absolutely deserve it!
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Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: About 24 beignets 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious vanilla French beignets at home with this easy recipe. These fluffy, fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Ensure the mixture is warm.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1.5 hours.
- Shape the Beignets: Roll out the dough, cut into squares.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil to 360°F.
- Fry the Beignets: Fry in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
- Cooling: Allow to cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: French beignets, vanilla, fried pastries, powdered sugar, dessert, easy recipe
