Description
Vanilla French Beignets are light, airy, and pillowy fried dough squares dusted with powdered sugar. This classic French treat has a soft interior and crispy golden exterior, infused with delicate vanilla flavor. Perfect for homemade indulgence or brunch, they bring a touch of Parisian charm to your kitchen.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 tsp active dry yeast
½ tsp salt
1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry, stirring until dough forms.
Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place about 1.5 hours until doubled.
Punch down dough, roll out to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into 2×2 inch squares.
Heat vegetable oil to 360°F (182°C) in a deep pot or fryer.
Fry dough squares in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until puffed and golden. Drain on paper towels.
Dust warm beignets with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
Keep milk temperature around 110°F to activate yeast properly.
Maintain oil temperature for crisp, non-greasy beignets.
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to powdered sugar for flavor variations.
Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight.
Freeze cooked beignets for up to a month; reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1.5 hours rising)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Frying, Kneading, Rising
- Cuisine: French