Vanilla French Beignets: Pillowy, Powdered Sugar-Dusted Clouds of Pure Joy
Vanilla French Beignets are light, fluffy deep-fried pastries with a hint of vanilla, finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar for a classic café-style treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 beignets
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fry
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 1/4 ounce active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Whisk in remaining sugar, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
- Punch down dough and roll out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut dough into 2–3 inch squares or rectangles.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry beignets a few at a time for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and puffed.
- Drain on paper towels and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the fryer to maintain oil temperature.
- Best served fresh and warm the same day.
- Add cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for variation.