Description
These Vanilla French Beignets are light, fluffy, and perfectly golden brown, with a hint of vanilla that elevates their delicate sweetness. A classic French treat, these deep-fried pastries are dusted with powdered sugar and best enjoyed fresh with coffee or hot chocolate. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these beignets will transport you straight to a Parisian café!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 45°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and remaining sugar. Add the activated yeast mixture.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-6 minutes.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Roll and cut: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares or desired shapes.
- Second rise: Place the cut beignets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rest for another 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the beignets: Carefully drop a few beignets into the hot oil, frying 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Dust and serve: Generously dust the warm beignets with powdered sugar and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough.
- Serve with chocolate sauce, jam, or honey for dipping.
- Best eaten fresh, but can be reheated in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, use a heavy-bottomed pot and a thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 🥐 12 beignets
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4g