Description
Vanilla French Beignets are light, airy pastries with a delicate sweetness and crisp golden exterior. Infused with vanilla and dusted with powdered sugar, these pillowy treats bring a taste of New Orleans into your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack, they pair wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients and activate the yeast.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Combine the Dough: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Beignets: Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess air. Roll it out to ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface and cut it into 2×2-inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Heat the Oil: Fill a deep pot with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat to 360°F. To test readiness, drop in a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and float to the top.
- Fry the Beignets: Carefully lower a few dough squares into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side until they puff up and turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Dust with Sugar and Serve: While still warm, generously coat the beignets with powdered sugar using a sifter or fine-mesh strainer. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Proofing Tip: If your dough does not rise properly, place it in a slightly warm oven with a bowl of hot water to create a warm, humid environment.
- Frying Temperature: Maintain a consistent 360°F oil temperature to ensure even cooking and prevent greasiness.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough, or mix in citrus zest for a fresh twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 184
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 99mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 4mg