Vanilla French Beignets (Printable Version)
Light, pillowy French beignets delicately flavored with vanilla and dusted with powdered sugar — a classic treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, lukewarm
06 - 1/4 cup warm water
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
09 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
→ For Frying
10 - 4 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
→ Finishing
11 - 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
# How to Make:
01 - Combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer bowl.
03 - Add yeast mixture, lukewarm milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to flour mixture. Mix with dough hook on medium speed for 5–7 minutes until smooth, slightly sticky dough forms.
04 - Transfer dough to lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
05 - Punch down dough and turn onto floured surface. Roll to 1/2 inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares using sharp knife or pastry cutter.
06 - Place squares on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise 30 minutes.
07 - Heat vegetable oil in large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
08 - Fry beignets in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed. Do not overcrowd pot.
09 - Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Generously dust with powdered sugar while warm and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That moment when you bite through the crisp exterior into the tender vanilla scented center
- The way your kitchen fills with the most incredible frying aroma that draws everyone in
02 -
- Hot oil kills yeast, so let your melted butter cool completely before adding it to the dough
- Do not rush the second rise or your beignets will be dense instead of pillowy
03 -
- Dust beignets in a paper bag filled with powdered sugar for even coverage without the mess
- Use a pizza cutter to make quick work of cutting the dough squares