Imagine a cloud so light and tender, delicately dusted with a snowy shower of powdered sugar—that’s exactly what you get with Vanilla French Beignets. These French-style doughnuts are the ultimate comfort treat: crispy on the edges, pillowy soft inside, and scented with dreamy vanilla. Whether you’ve had them in a cozy Parisian café or are biting into your first beignet fresh from the fryer, this recipe brings the unmistakable magic of Vanilla French Beignets right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Vanilla French Beignets are easy to find, but each one plays a star role in creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and golden crust. Don’t overlook the power of fresh yeast or that splash of vanilla extract—these small details make all the difference in flavor.
- Warm milk (1/2 cup, 110°F): The gentle heat helps activate the yeast and gives the dough a tender crumb.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons, 1 packet): Ensures your Vanilla French Beignets puff up beautifully and create that airy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and also feeds the yeast.
- Large eggs (2): Enrich the dough, making it supple and light while adding a lovely golden hue.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses each bite with a fragrant, cozy flavor that makes these beignets irresistible.
- Unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and that signature slight crisp-tender finish.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure without heaviness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Gives the beignets their perfect golden-brown crunch on the outside.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: The essential finishing touch for a classic French beignet look and taste.
How to Make Vanilla French Beignets
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Pour your warm milk into a large mixing bowl, then sprinkle the yeast and one tablespoon of sugar over the top. Give it a gentle stir and wait 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is bubbly and looks foamy—this means the yeast is alive and kicking, which is what gives your Vanilla French Beignets their lightness.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Whisk the remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter into your foamy yeast mixture. Take a moment to soak in that luscious vanilla aroma—it’s setting the stage for what’s to come! These ingredients add depth, flavor, and beautiful color to your beignets.
Step 3: Make and Knead the Dough
Add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Now, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a good 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the dough transforming, becoming smooth, elastic, and just a little bit tacky. Kneading develops the gluten, which helps your Vanilla French Beignets puff up so perfectly.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and set it in a warm spot. Over the next hour to hour and a half, watch as it doubles in size. This is when the yeast continues its work, building that signature airiness.
Step 5: Shape the Beignets
Punch down your dough to release excess air, then gently roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the dough into 2-inch squares. They don’t have to be perfect; a little rustic charm is part of the fun!
Step 6: Fry to Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Slide in a few dough squares at a time, taking care not to overcrowd. Fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes until you see them turn golden and puff up. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
Step 7: Dust and Serve
While your Vanilla French Beignets are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. This snowy covering is the ultimate finishing touch, melting into every crevice and making each bite pure delight.
How to Serve Vanilla French Beignets
Garnishes
A heavy snowfall of powdered sugar is a must for Vanilla French Beignets, but you can also jazz things up with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a glimmer of finely grated chocolate. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream make each beignet feel like a little celebration.
Side Dishes
For the full French café experience, serve your beignets with strong coffee or café au lait. Fresh fruit, like strawberries or oranges, offers a refreshing balance to the sweetness. You can also pair these treats with a small pot of vanilla custard or chocolate sauce for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Vanilla French Beignets on a pretty cake stand, dusted with lots of powdered sugar for dramatic effect. Fill colorful paper cones with beignets for a street-fair vibe, or serve them in a breadbasket lined with a checked napkin for casual brunch gatherings. For a playful twist, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two beignets!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have extras, store cooled Vanilla French Beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The sugar may dissolve slightly, but a quick dusting before serving revives them.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Vanilla French Beignets! Allow them to cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a sealed freezer bag and enjoy within 2 months for best flavor. Freeze without powdered sugar and dust after reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that bakery-fresh feel, warm beignets in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or until they’re soft and heated through. Dust with a fresh layer of powdered sugar and dive right in.
FAQs
Can I make the dough for Vanilla French Beignets the night before?
Absolutely! After kneading, cover your dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.
Do I need a deep fryer to make French beignets?
Not at all. A sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot and a thermometer are all you need to get great results when frying Vanilla French Beignets at home.
Why didn’t my beignets puff up?
This usually happens if the oil wasn’t hot enough or if the yeast wasn’t active. Make sure your oil is at 350°F and your yeast is fresh before you start.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes! You can substitute instant yeast 1:1; there’s no need to dissolve it in milk first, simply mix it in with the flour and proceed as directed.
What can I do with leftover vanilla French beignets?
Leftover beignets make a decadent bread pudding or French toast. Just slice them up and use in your favorite custard recipe for an extra special breakfast or dessert.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little magic to your kitchen, there’s nothing quite like making a batch of Vanilla French Beignets from scratch. They’re simple, sweet, and guaranteed to transport you straight to the heart of Paris with every bite. I hope you give this recipe a try—the delight on your friends’ and family’s faces is absolutely worth it!
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Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 24 beignets 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Vanilla French Beignets with this easy-to-follow recipe. These fluffy, fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar are a classic French treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- vegetable oil for frying
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy. Add remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix in flour and salt to form a dough.
- Knead and Rise: Knead dough for 5–7 minutes. Let rise covered for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
- Shape and Fry: Roll out dough, cut into squares, and fry in oil at 350°F until golden and puffed.
- Finish: Drain, dust with powdered sugar while warm, and serve.
Notes
- Best served fresh and warm
- Enhance with nutmeg or cinnamon
- Try with vanilla custard or chocolate sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
