Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These beignets offer a perfect balance of lightness and flavor with their vanilla-infused dough. They’re quick to prepare yet look and taste like a sophisticated treat. Whether enjoyed with coffee, fruit, or chocolate sauce, they’re a versatile and delicious choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Beignet Dough:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup sugar
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1 tsp active dry yeast
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1 cup warm milk
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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1 tsp salt
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Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sugar Coating:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
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Chocolate sauce, fresh berries, whipped cream
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Dough: Activate yeast with warm milk and sugar. Mix flour, sugar, salt, eggs, butter, and vanilla, then add the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes, then let it rise for 1 hour.
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Shape and Fry: Roll the dough, cut it into squares, and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain excess oil.
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Coat and Serve: Coat the beignets in a powdered sugar and vanilla mix. Serve warm with optional toppings.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields about 20-25 beignets.
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Prep time: 30 minutes
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Cook time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
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Spiced Beignets: Add cinnamon to the sugar coating for a warm, spiced twist.
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Chocolate Dipped: Serve with chocolate sauce for dipping.
Storage/Reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before frying.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough.
How do I ensure the oil temperature is right?
Test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough; it should sizzle immediately.
Can I freeze the beignets?
Yes, freeze un-fried beignets for up to 1 month. Fry them when ready to serve.
What can I serve with beignets?
Beignets pair well with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream.
Are these beignets sweet enough on their own?
Yes, the powdered sugar coating provides the perfect sweetness.
Can I use milk alternatives?
Yes, use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk.
How do I get them crispy?
Fry at the correct temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they crisp up.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, use an egg replacer or flax eggs for an egg-free version.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable or canola oil is ideal for frying beignets.
Conclusion
Vanilla French Beignets are an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, they’re a delightful indulgence that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether for breakfast, a special celebration, or a sweet snack, these beignets will quickly become a favorite.
Vanilla French Beignets
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 beignets
- Category: Dessert, Pastry
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vanilla French Beignets are light, fluffy pastries with a golden, crispy exterior and a vanilla-infused dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet dessert, these indulgent treats are dusted with powdered sugar and easy to make. Whether served with chocolate sauce or fresh berries, these beignets are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Beignet Dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 tsp salt
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sugar Coating:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
Chocolate sauce
Fresh berries
Whipped cream
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, activate the yeast with warm milk and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Add the yeast mixture and knead the dough for 5-8 minutes until smooth. Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
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Shape and Fry: Roll out the dough and cut it into squares. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot, then fry the dough until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Coat and Serve: In a separate bowl, mix powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Coat the warm beignets with the sugar mixture and serve with optional toppings such as chocolate sauce, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Notes
Spiced Beignets: Add cinnamon to the powdered sugar coating for a warm, spiced variation.
Chocolate Dipped: Serve with chocolate sauce for a delicious dipping option.
Make-Ahead: Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before frying to save time.
