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Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

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5.2 from 30 reviews

Classic New Orleans-style Vanilla French Beignets that are light, fluffy, and infused with a delicate vanilla flavor. Perfectly fried to golden brown and generously dusted with powdered sugar, these beignets make a delightful breakfast or dessert treat.

  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 12-15 beignets

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  • Author: Daisy
  • 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