why make this recipe

Vanilla French Beignets are delightful treats that bring a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen. These soft, pillowy pastries are made from a sweet dough, perfectly fried to a golden brown, and dusted with powdered sugar. They make for a wonderful breakfast treat, dessert, or snack, and their light texture paired with the vanilla flavor makes them irresistible. Plus, they are fun to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

how to make Vanilla French Beignets

Ingredients:

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
¾ cup warm water
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Combine yeast and warm water in a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly.
In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add in the yeast mixture.
Gradually add the flour and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough until it is smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) for frying. Carefully add a few dough pieces to the hot oil, frying until golden brown on both sides.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

how to serve Vanilla French Beignets

Vanilla French Beignets are best served fresh and warm. You can enjoy them as is, or pair them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For a special touch, serve them with fruit preserves, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream for dipping. Sharing them with friends at brunch or family gatherings makes for a fun experience.

how to store Vanilla French Beignets

To store leftover beignets, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best eaten within one day; however, you can keep them for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked beignets. Just place them in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer.

tips to make Vanilla French Beignets

Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
Kneading the dough well will ensure a soft texture in the final product.
For a mess-free frying experience, use a deep-fryer or a deep pot filled with oil to prevent splatter.
Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.

variation

You can experiment with different flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or using almond extract instead of vanilla. You can also fill the beignets with chocolate, fruit preserves, or pastry cream before frying for a delicious surprise!

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, active dry yeast works well in this recipe, just make sure to activate it in warm water first.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the first rise, refrigerate it overnight, and continue the process in the morning for fresh beignets.

What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil is great for frying beignets because they have a high smoke point. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can change the flavor.