If you’ve ever bitten into a warm, pillowy French pastry dusted with powdered sugar, you know the magic of a perfectly made beignet. The Vanilla French Beignets Recipe captures this enchantment beautifully, blending classic French technique with a fragrant vanilla twist that makes each bite utterly irresistible. These golden puffs are crisp on the outside and tender inside, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh experience that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe transforms pantry staples into a culinary delight. Each component plays its part, from the yeast that creates the perfect airy texture to the vanilla extract that infuses every bite with warm sweetness.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The essential leavening agent that gives the dough its light, fluffy texture.
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast gently without killing it.
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to balance the flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and a lovely golden color.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: The star flavor that makes this French classic uniquely delightful.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for the dough, creating structure while keeping things tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Vegetable oil for frying: A neutral oil that crisps the beignets beautifully.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: The classic finishing touch that adds sweetness and a snowy look.
How to Make Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water and letting it sit until it becomes foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure that your yeast is alive and ready to give your beignets that perfect airy rise.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, granulated sugar, eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Stir in your activated yeast mixture to blend all the liquid ingredients seamlessly; this mixture sets the base for a rich, flavorful dough.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough just begins to form. Then incorporate the softened butter and knead by hand or with a stand mixer until your dough is smooth and elastic—usually 6–8 minutes by hand or 4–5 with a mixer. This kneading develops gluten for a tender bite.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it up, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This usually takes between 1 to 2 hours, and it’s where all the magic of lightness starts to happen.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Once risen, punch down the dough gently, then roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 2-inch squares or any fun shape you like! Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise delivers that final fluffiness.
Step 6: Fry the Beignets
Heat at least 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the beignets in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain. The hot oil creates that irresistible crisp exterior.
Step 7: Dust and Serve
While the beignets are still warm, generously dust them with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. This finishing touch makes each bite melt in your mouth, bringing that signature beignet sweetness to life.
How to Serve Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting your beignets with powdered sugar is classic, but why not sprinkle some vanilla sugar for an extra punch of flavor? Fresh berries or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce also elevate these treats to something truly special.
Side Dishes
Beignets pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or rich hot chocolate to balance their sweetness. A light fruit compote offers a fresh contrast, making your indulgence feel a bit more sophisticated.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, fill your Vanilla French Beignets Recipe with homemade vanilla pastry cream before frying, turning them into a decadent, custard-filled delight. Stack several on a platter for a stunning centerpiece at brunch or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a cozy variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you can’t finish your batch, keep leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They are best eaten fresh but will hold their flavor for a short while.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing their delightful texture.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover beignets in a warm oven set to 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This warms them through and restores their crisp exterior. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I make Vanilla French Beignets Recipe without eggs?
Eggs provide structure and richness to this recipe, but you can try substituting with a flax egg or applesauce. However, be aware that texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry the beignets?
While frying gives beignets their signature crispy exterior, you can bake them at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden, though they won’t be quite the same but still delicious.
What type of oil is best for frying beignets?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These will crisp up the beignets nicely without overpowering their delicate flavor.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
Properly risen dough will roughly double in size and hold a slight indentation when gently poked. This means the yeast has done its job preparing your Vanilla French Beignets Recipe for frying.
Can I add other flavors to these beignets?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of almond extract, or topping with flavored sugars can personalize your beignets while keeping that comforting vanilla base intact.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla French Beignets Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create joyous moments around the table. Whether you’re surprising your family or treating yourself, these golden pillows offer warmth and comfort with every bite. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful process and even more delightful rewards of making beignets at home.
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Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 beignets
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vanilla French Beignets are light, fluffy, and pillowy fried pastries sprinkled generously with powdered sugar. This classic French dessert uses active dry yeast to create a tender dough flavored with pure vanilla extract, resulting in irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Frying and Garnish
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (about 110°F) and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare dough base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed whole milk, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the foamy yeast mixture thoroughly to blend all the wet ingredients evenly.
- Add dry ingredients and mix: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture and stir until a dough begins to form. Then add the softened unsalted butter and knead the dough either by hand for 6–8 minutes or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the beignets: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares or your preferred shape. Place the cut pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly with a towel, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Heat oil and fry: In a deep pot, heat at least 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Fry the beignets in batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried beignets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, generously dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For an enhanced vanilla flavor, sprinkle the beignets with vanilla sugar instead of powdered sugar.
- Beignets are best enjoyed fresh but can be briefly reheated in a warm oven to restore softness.
- For a decadent twist, fill the beignets with vanilla pastry cream after frying.
