Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Frying & Topping
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the remaining granulated sugar, the large egg, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture until well incorporated.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Beignets: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2-3 inch squares or rectangles.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to allow the beignets to float while frying.
- Fry Beignets: Fry the beignets in batches, a few at a time, cooking them for 1-2 minutes per side until they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Drain and Dust: Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can adjust the thickness of the dough for thicker or thinner beignets depending on your preference.
- Be careful when frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the oil, which can lower the temperature and result in greasy beignets.
- Serve beignets fresh and warm for the best texture and flavor.
- For an extra vanilla boost, add a splash of vanilla bean paste or scrape seeds from a vanilla pod.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French, New Orleans
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg