Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

Craving a sweet, light, and fluffy pastry with a hint of vanilla? French beignets are the perfect solution! These deep-fried dough squares are light, airy, and dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. With a touch of vanilla, this classic French treat gets an extra burst of flavor, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Follow along to learn how to make delicious vanilla beignets right at home, complete with ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips!

this Recipe

What are Vanilla French Beignets?

Vanilla French beignets are a variation of the traditional French pastry that originates from New Orleans. Beignets are made from dough that is fried until golden brown and then generously dusted with powdered sugar. This version includes vanilla extract, which adds a fragrant and sweet flavor to the dough. These light and pillowy pastries are often served with a cup of coffee or enjoyed as a standalone treat. If you’ve ever had the famous beignets from Café du Monde, you’ll love this homemade version!

Ingredients List for Vanilla French Beignets

Before starting, gather all the ingredients for these delectable vanilla beignets.

For the Beignet Dough:

• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Frying:

• 3-4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For Dusting:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Substitutions and Variations

Beignets are highly customizable, and you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

1. Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or any plant-based milk instead of whole milk, and swap out butter for a dairy-free alternative such as coconut oil or margarine.
2. Vanilla Beans: For a more intense vanilla flavor, substitute vanilla extract with the seeds from one vanilla bean pod.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Beignets: Instead of powdered sugar, dust the beignets with a cinnamon-sugar mix for a spiced twist.
4. Filled Beignets: Fill the beignets with Nutella, pastry cream, or fruit preserves by injecting the filling into the fried dough using a piping bag.
5. Chocolate Beignets: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a subtle chocolate flavor.
6. Lemon Beignets: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy variation.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making vanilla French beignets is a straightforward process. The dough requires time to rise, but once that's done, you’re only minutes away from enjoying freshly made beignets. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, mix the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves.
• Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and bubbles form on the surface. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to use.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
• Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
• Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky to handle, but it should still be soft.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

• Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
• Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
• Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 2-inch squares or rectangles.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

• In a deep pot or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
• If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface within a few seconds, the oil is ready.

Step 6: Fry the Beignets

• Carefully place a few dough squares into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Fry the beignets for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil, and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar

• While the beignets are still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar using a sifter or fine mesh strainer.

How to Cook Vanilla French Beignets: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Activate Yeast: Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar, then let it foam.
2. Mix the Dough: Combine egg, milk, vanilla, butter, and yeast mixture, then add flour.
3. Knead and Rise: Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise until doubled in size.
4. Cut and Fry: Roll out the dough, cut into squares, and fry in hot oil until golden.
5. Dust with Sugar: Dust the warm beignets with powdered sugar for that classic finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Fryer: Frying too many beignets at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy beignets. Fry in small batches for the best results.
2. Overcooking the Beignets: Be careful not to over-fry the beignets. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them and remove when they’re golden brown.
3. Underproofing the Dough: Allow enough time for the dough to rise properly. If it doesn’t double in size, the beignets may turn out dense instead of light and airy.
4. Using Cold Ingredients: For a soft and fluffy dough, ensure the milk, egg, and butter are at room temperature.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Vanilla French beignets are best served fresh and warm, with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. To make your beignets extra special, consider these serving and presentation ideas:

1. Serve with Dips: Offer small bowls of dipping sauces such as chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or fruit preserves alongside the beignets.
2. Add Fresh Fruit: Serve the beignets with a side of fresh berries or sliced bananas for a burst of freshness.
3. Coffee Pairing: Beignets are traditionally paired with a hot cup of café au lait or espresso. The combination of fluffy, sweet beignets and rich coffee is unbeatable!
4. Create a Beignet Tower: Stack beignets on a platter in a pyramid shape, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with a bit of vanilla glaze for a dramatic presentation.

How to Serve Vanilla French Beignets

• As a Breakfast Treat: Serve warm beignets with coffee or hot chocolate for a sweet start to the day.
• As a Dessert: These beignets can be an indulgent dessert when served with ice cream or whipped cream.
• At Parties: Serve them on a dessert platter dusted with extra powdered sugar for a beautiful party snack.

Presentation Ideas for Vanilla French Beignets

• Mini Beignets: Make smaller, bite-sized beignets for a more playful, finger-food version of the classic.
• Serving Cones: Present beignets in parchment paper cones for a chic, street-food-style experience.
• Festive Sprinkles: For a fun, festive twist, sprinkle colorful edible glitter or sprinkles over the powdered sugar during holidays or celebrations.

Vanilla French Beignets Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Expired yeast won’t allow the dough to rise properly.
• Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial for perfectly fried beignets. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn; if it’s too low, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Dust While Warm: Dust the beignets with powdered sugar while they’re still warm so the sugar sticks better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise before frying.

Q: Can I bake beignets instead of frying them?
A: Traditional beignets are fried, but you

can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden. They won’t be as crispy but will still be delicious!

Q: How do I store leftover beignets?
A: Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore some of the crispiness.

Q: Can I freeze beignets?
A: Yes! Freeze uncooked beignet dough squares in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the frying time.

Conclusion

Vanilla French beignets are a delightful treat that combines the lightness of classic French pastries with a hint of vanilla sweetness. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a dessert, or at a gathering, these golden, sugar-dusted delights are sure to impress. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience for the dough to rise, you can bring the flavor of a French café right into your kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the pillowy perfection of homemade vanilla beignets!

Print