These Vanilla French Beignets are light, fluffy pillows of fried dough with a delicate hint of vanilla, dusted generously with powdered sugar. Whether I enjoy them for breakfast or as an indulgent afternoon treat, these beignets bring a taste of Paris right into my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these beignets are crisp on the outside and perfectly soft and airy inside. The subtle vanilla flavor adds a lovely depth, making them more than just fried dough. It’s a recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Plus, it’s a hit whether I’m serving guests or just treating myself.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Active dry yeast
- Salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
directions
- I start by warming the milk slightly and dissolving the yeast in it with a pinch of sugar. After letting it sit for about 10 minutes, it becomes foamy.
- I whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then add this to the yeast mixture.
- In a large bowl, I combine flour, sugar, and salt. Then, I gradually stir in the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
- I knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth, then cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- After it rises, I roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick, then cut it into squares or rectangles.
- I heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the dough pieces in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 1–2 minutes per side.
- Once fried, I drain them on paper towels and generously dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 18 beignets.
Prep time: 90 minutes (including rising time)
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 120 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I like to add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I’ll fill them with pastry cream or Nutella after frying. A splash of almond extract instead of vanilla also gives them a unique twist.
storage/reheating
Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes. I avoid microwaving them as they can get soggy.
FAQs
How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
I use a thermometer to check when the oil reaches 350°F. If I don’t have one, I drop in a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and rise to the top quickly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, I sometimes make the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise. I just bring it to room temperature before rolling and frying.
Do I need a deep fryer?
Not at all. I use a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet with enough oil for the beignets to float while frying.
Why are my beignets dense?
If the dough didn’t rise properly, it could be due to old yeast or not enough kneading. I always make sure my yeast is fresh and give the dough enough time to proof.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Traditional beignets are fried, and baking won’t give the same airy texture. I stick to frying for the authentic result.
Conclusion
Making Vanilla French Beignets at home is a deliciously rewarding experience. I get to enjoy a café-style treat without leaving my kitchen, and the aroma alone is worth the effort. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy Sunday morning, these beignets always hit the spot.
Vanilla French Beignets
- Prep Time: 90 minutes (includes rising time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: About 18 beignets
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Vanilla French Beignets are classic pillows of airy fried dough with a touch of vanilla flavor, dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet, Parisian-style treat. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these homemade beignets are light, fluffy, and irresistibly golden — perfect for anyone craving an authentic taste of French cuisine.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Instructions
- Warm the milk and dissolve the yeast with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add to the yeast mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually stir in the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough to ½ inch thick on a floured surface. Cut into squares or rectangles.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Fry dough pieces in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced variation.
- For a filled version, inject pastry cream or Nutella after frying.
- Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique twist.
- Best enjoyed fresh; reheat leftovers in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
