Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vanilla French Beignets are a soft, pillowy, and indulgent pastry that will transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans. These deep-fried dough squares are light, fluffy, and dusted with powdered sugar, making them the perfect sweet treat for breakfast, dessert, or any occasion. With a hint of vanilla flavor, these beignets offer a delicious twist on the classic, and they’re sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough: all-purpose flourgranulated sugarsaltinstant yeastmilk (lukewarm)butter (melted)eggvanilla extract

For frying: vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the coating: powdered sugar (for dusting)

directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.

In a small bowl, dissolve the instant yeast in lukewarm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together to form a soft dough.

Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares or rectangles, about 2-3 inches wide.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or large pot over medium-high heat, ensuring there’s enough oil to submerge the beignets.

Carefully drop the dough squares into the hot oil, frying in batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the beignets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

While the beignets are still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar.

Serve immediately and enjoy these warm, pillowy treats!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12-16 beignets.Preparation time: 15 minutesRising time: 1-2 hoursFrying time: 10-12 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours

Variations

Add a few drops of almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor.

Try filling the beignets with a bit of chocolate or fruit jam before frying for a sweet surprise inside.

For a twist, dip the warm beignets in a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead of powdered sugar.

Top with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

storage/reheating

Store leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to regain some of their crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after it has risen. Let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature before frying.

Can I make these beignets without yeast?

Yeast is necessary for the traditional beignet texture. However, you can try using a baking powder-based dough for a quicker, non-yeast version.

Can I use a deep fryer?

Yes, you can use a deep fryer to fry the beignets at 350°F (175°C) for the best results.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar?

You can use regular granulated sugar as a substitute, but powdered sugar gives that signature soft coating that beignets are known for.

Can I freeze the beignets?

Yes, you can freeze uncoated, cooked beignets. Reheat them in the oven and then dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Conclusion

Vanilla French Beignets are a deliciously soft and indulgent treat that combines the best of French pastry with a touch of vanilla flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the fryer with a cup of coffee or as a sweet dessert, they’re sure to be a hit. Their light, airy texture and dusting of powdered sugar make them the perfect comfort food to enjoy any time of day!