Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Classic French-style beignets perfumed with vanilla—light, fluffy pillows of fried dough showered with powdered sugar for an irresistible café treat.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Dutch oven or deep pot
- 1 Deep-fry thermometer (recommended)
- 1 Spider or slotted spoon
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup whole milk warm, 105–115°F
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast one 0.25-oz packet
- 1 pinch granulated sugar to help activate yeast
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
- 3.75 cup all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
Frying & Finish
- 2 qt neutral oil for deep-frying (canola or vegetable)
- 1 cup powdered sugar for generous dusting
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Combine warm milk and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir in the foamy yeast mixture, then add 3 1/2 cups flour. Mix until a shaggy, slightly tacky dough forms; add the remaining flour only if needed for a soft dough.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface 5–7 minutes (or with a dough hook 4–5 minutes) until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
Shape & Fry
- Punch down the dough. Roll to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 2–3 inch squares or rectangles with a sharp knife or pizza wheel.
- Heat 3–4 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2–3 pieces at a time for 1 1/2–2 1/2 minutes per side, turning once, until puffed and deep golden. Transfer to a paper towel–lined rack to drain.
- While still warm, shower beignets with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
Keep the oil steady at 350°F for even puffing. If the dough resists while rolling, cover and rest 5–10 minutes to relax the gluten. Beignets are best fresh; to refresh, warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes and dust again with powdered sugar.
Nutrition
Serving: 45gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22g
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