Description
Vanilla French Beignets are golden, pillowy squares of fried dough, lightly sweetened and infused with warm vanilla. Dusted in powdered sugar and best served warm, they’re a classic French breakfast treat perfect with coffee.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in warm milk with 1 tsp of sugar and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry beignets in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for even frying.
- For a flavor twist, add lemon zest or almond extract.
- Dough can be made the night before and refrigerated.
- Baking is possible, but beignets are best fried for texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
