Fluffy Vanilla French Beignets Recipe: A Sweet Delight

Vanilla French beignets represent a delightful culinary treasure that whisks you straight to the charming streets of new orleans.

These pillowy squares of fried dough promise a magical gustatory experience with their delicate, cloud-like texture.

Sweet aromas waft through kitchens, refineing ordinary moments into extraordinary memories of indulgence.

Each bite carries the warmth of traditional pastry-making techniques perfected over generations.

Soft, tender, and impossibly light, these treats capture the essence of comfort and celebration.

Powdered sugar refines the golden-brown delicacies into a stunning canvas of delectable artistry.

Your taste buds will dance with pure, unrestrained joy at the first heavenly mouthful.

What Makes These Beignets Sing with Vanilla

• Indulge in Pillowy Perfection: These vanilla French beignets deliver an irresistibly soft, cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth with each delightful bite.
• Quick and Foolproof Preparation: The straightforward recipe makes these beignets accessible for bakers of all skill levels, requiring minimal technical expertise and basic kitchen tools.
• Versatile Sweet Treat: Perfect for breakfast surprises, afternoon coffee breaks, or elegant dessert presentations, these beignets bring a touch of French bakery magic to any occasion with their classic vanilla-infused flavor and stunning golden exterior.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using simple pantry staples like flour, milk, and vanilla, these beignets transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that feels like a gourmet indulgence without complicated techniques.

Your Guide to Beignet Ingredients

• Flour: The base of the beignets, provides structure and texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Yeast: Essential for rising and creating light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the beignets.

• Milk: Warm milk activates yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet and aromatic flavor to the beignets.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying, creates crispy golden exterior.
• Powdered Sugar: Traditional topping that adds sweetness and classic look.

How to Fry for Softness and Sweetness

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until perfectly combined and no lumps remain.

Step 2: Create Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dough Components

Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently but consistently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, stretching and folding until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5: First Dough Rise

Place kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 1.5 hours or until volume doubles.

Step 6: Roll and Shape Beignets

Punch down risen dough. Roll out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 2×2 inch squares using a sharp knife.

Step 7: Prepare Frying Station

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 360°F. Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.

Step 8: Fry Beignets

Carefully drop dough squares into hot oil. Fry 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffy.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Remove beignets with a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels. Generously dust with powdered sugar while still warm. Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Tips for Puffing Them Up Just Right

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (110-115°F) to activate yeast without killing it, creating a light, airy texture.
• Knead with Confidence: Use the heel of your hand to stretch and fold dough, developing gluten for soft, pillowy beignets.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 360°F oil temperature using a deep-fry thermometer to prevent burning or greasy results.
• Rest Dough Strategically: Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot to help develop rich flavor and optimal texture.
• Powdered Sugar Pro Tip: Sift powdered sugar just before serving to create a delicate, even coating that melts beautifully on warm beignets.

Store Beignets Without Losing the Warmth

• Storing Leftovers: Seal cooled beignets in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration Method: Place beignets in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Protect from moisture to maintain their crispy texture.
• Reheating Technique: Warm beignets in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy. Dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving to restore their delightful sweetness.

Sides and Dips for Vanilla-Flavored Bites

• Pair with Bold Coffee: Serve these crispy, sweet beignets alongside a rich espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness and enhance the vanilla flavor.
• Complementary Dessert Wine: Enjoy with a small glass of Sauternes or a light muscat, which will highlight the delicate vanilla notes and provide a luxurious dessert experience.
• Create a Brunch Combo: Combine beignets with fresh citrus fruits like blood orange segments or a light mandarin compote to cut through the richness and add a bright, refreshing contrast.
• Spice It Up with Cinnamon: Sprinkle a touch of ground cinnamon over the powdered sugar to introduce a warm, aromatic dimension that elevates the classic beignet taste.

Fun Flavors to Fold Into Your Dough

• Chocolate Caramel Beignets: Drizzle melted chocolate and caramel sauce over freshly fried beignets for a decadent sweet treat. Add cocoa powder to the dough for extra chocolate depth.
• Citrus Zest Beignets: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor. Dust with a mixture of powdered sugar and citrus zest for an aromatic finish.
• Almond Cream Beignets: Fill the beignets with a rich almond cream before frying. Sprinkle crushed almonds and a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Savory Herb Beignets: Replace sugar with finely chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme. Serve with a garlic aioli or herb-infused dipping sauce for a sophisticated appetizer version.

Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

French Quarter delights come alive with these pillowy vanilla beignets dusted in powdered sugar. New Orleans street magic meets sweet indulgence in a crispy, airy pastry you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (591 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (237 ml) warm milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) unsalted butter, melted

Dry Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt

Flavoring and Finishing:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Gather all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring flour, sugar, active dry yeast, and salt are thoroughly blended using a whisk.
2. In a separate container, gently warm milk to approximately 110°F (43°C), then incorporate melted unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract, whisking until harmoniously combined.
3. Slowly introduce liquid mixture into dry ingredients, stirring consistently to create a cohesive, supple dough with no remaining dry patches.
4. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface, then methodically knead for 8-10 minutes, developing gluten and achieving a smooth, elastic consistency.
5. Lightly grease a large ceramic or glass bowl, place dough inside, and cover with a clean kitchen towel, allowing it to rise in a warm, draft-free environment until volume doubles (approximately 1.5 hours).
6. Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters) thickness, then precisely cut into 2×2 inch (5×5 centimeter) uniform squares.
7. Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer with vegetable oil, heating to precisely 360°F (182°C), monitoring temperature with a reliable kitchen thermometer.
8. Carefully lower dough squares into hot oil, frying in small batches until achieving a golden-brown exterior, approximately 1-2 minutes per side, turning once for even coloration.
9. Remove beignets using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on clean paper towels, then generously dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
10. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor, accompanied by additional powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Activate the yeast properly with warm milk to ensure soft, fluffy beignets that rise beautifully.
• Work quickly when rolling and cutting dough to maintain consistent thickness for even frying.
• Maintain precise oil temperature around 360°F for golden-brown exterior and perfectly cooked interior.
• Use fresh, high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the delicate flavor profile of these classic French pastries.
• Allow sufficient rising time to develop rich, tender texture and deep, complex taste in the dough.
• Serve beignets immediately after dusting with powdered sugar for maximum freshness and crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg