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.
