Vanilla French Beignets – Light, Fluffy, and Irresistible!

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There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, pillowy beignet, dusted with a cloud of powdered sugar. These Vanilla French Beignets take the classic New Orleans favorite and give it a fragrant twist with the addition of pure vanilla extract. The result? A golden, airy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a rich cup of cocoa.

If you’ve never made beignets before, don’t worry! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you end up with bakery-worthy treats right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and fluffy – These beignets rise beautifully, giving you that perfect airy texture inside.

• Delicious vanilla aroma – The pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor, making them extra special.

• Easier than you think! – While beignets may seem fancy, this recipe keeps it simple with easy-to-follow steps.

• Perfect for any occasion – Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon treat, these beignets always impress!

What Do Vanilla French Beignets Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a slightly crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, cloud-like interior, bursting with a subtle sweetness and the rich, comforting taste of vanilla. When dusted generously with powdered sugar, they become utterly irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these classic French beignets:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the perfect structure.

• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise to perfection.

• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F) – Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness.

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – The star ingredient that brings out the best flavor.

• Vegetable oil, for frying – Essential for achieving a crisp and golden exterior.

• Powdered sugar, for dusting – Because beignets wouldn’t be complete without it!

 

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients.

• Wooden spoon or spatula – Helps mix the dough.

• Rolling pin – To roll out the dough evenly.

• Sharp knife or pizza cutter – To cut the dough into perfect squares.

• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot – For frying the beignets.

• Candy or deep-fry thermometer – Ensures the oil reaches the right temperature.

• Slotted spoon – For safely removing beignets from the hot oil.

• Wire rack and paper towels – To drain excess oil and keep them crispy.

How to Make Vanilla French Beignets

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until evenly combined.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot—around 110°F is ideal to activate the yeast.

3. Combine Everything

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture while stirring with a wooden spoon. Mix until a rough dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

5. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

6. Shape the Beignets

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2×2-inch squares.

7. Heat the Oil

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil to 360°F, using a thermometer to maintain the right temperature.

8. Fry the Beignets

Carefully drop a few beignet squares into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, flipping them once, until golden brown and puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

9. Dust with Powdered Sugar

Generously dust the warm beignets with powdered sugar and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

What to Serve with Beignets

• Coffee or Café au Lait – A classic pairing that brings out the beignets’ sweetness.

• Hot Chocolate – Perfect for dunking!

• Fresh Berries – Adds a refreshing contrast to the fried dough.

• Vanilla or Chocolate Sauce – For an extra indulgent touch.

Tips for the Best Beignets

• Maintain the Oil Temperature – Keep the oil at 360°F to avoid greasy or undercooked beignets.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot – Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.

• Let the Dough Rise Fully – A good rise ensures soft, airy beignets.

• Serve Fresh – Beignets taste best when eaten warm and fresh.

How to Store and Reheat Beignets

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Storage: Place cooled beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to revive their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare beignets in advance?

Yes! You can make the dough, let it rise, and store it in the fridge overnight. Before frying, bring it to room temperature.

Is it possible to bake beignets instead of frying?

Traditional beignets are fried for their signature texture, but you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden. They’ll be less airy but still tasty!

Can I substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast?

Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the warm milk step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Why are my beignets not light and fluffy?

If your beignets are dense, the dough may not have risen long enough, or the oil temperature might be too low while frying.

What’s the best oil for frying beignets?

Use a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for the best results.

How do I store leftover beignets?

Store beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the oven.

Can I add fillings to my beignets?

Yes! You can fill beignets with pastry cream, jam, or chocolate after frying by piping the filling inside.

How do I keep beignets crispy for longer?

Serve them immediately after frying. If needed, keep them warm in a low-temperature oven (200°F/93°C) until ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

These Vanilla French Beignets are a delightful treat that’s easier to make than you might think! With their soft, fluffy interior, golden crisp exterior, and heavenly vanilla aroma, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, tag me on Pinterest, and share your beignet-making experience.

Looking for more sweet treats? Try these next:

• Christmas Custard Pie – A rich and creamy holiday classic.

• Candy Cane Cheesecake with Sugar Cookie Crust – Festive, minty, and utterly delicious.

• Christmas Eve Vanilla Sugar Cream Pie – A dreamy vanilla treat perfect for the holidays.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your homemade beignets!

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