Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

These Vanilla French Beignets are the stuff of sweet, fluffy dreams. Light as air, delicately crisp on the outside, and infused with warm vanilla inside, they’re the kind of treat that makes you pause and savor every bite. While they do take a bit of time to make, most of it is hands-off—so don’t let the 120 minutes scare you off! Once you taste that golden, sugar-dusted perfection fresh out of the fryer, you’ll know exactly why this recipe is worth every second. Perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a bakery-style indulgence at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakery-Quality at Home: These beignets are just like the ones you’d find in a Parisian café or the French Quarter in New Orleans—but homemade and even more rewarding.
• Deep Vanilla Flavor: A touch of pure vanilla takes the dough to another level. It’s the secret behind that rich, sweet aroma and subtle warmth in every bite.
• Perfect Texture: Crisp edges, pillowy-soft center—these beignets strike the perfect balance. Not too dense, not too airy—just right.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe makes a generous batch, ideal for sharing with family or friends over coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these irresistible vanilla French beignets to life:

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of your dough; go for unbleached for best results.
• Active dry yeast: Essential for that beautiful rise and airy interior.
• Whole milk: Warmed slightly to activate the yeast and enrich the dough.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the yeast do its magic.
• Eggs: Bind the dough and provide structure and softness.
• Unsalted butter: Melted, for richness and flavor—adds that golden hue to the beignets.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds a deep, fragrant vanilla note that shines through every bite.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Powdered sugar: For dusting—don’t skip it! That snowy topping is what makes beignets, well, beignets.
• Neutral oil (like canola or vegetable): For frying. You’ll want something with a high smoke point and clean flavor.

Variations

Want to switch things up? You’ve got options:

• Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus note that pairs beautifully with vanilla.
• Filled Beignets: Pipe in pastry cream, fruit preserves, or Nutella after frying for a sweet surprise.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Instead of powdered sugar, toss warm beignets in a mix of cinnamon and granulated sugar.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter—just keep the dough soft and enriched.

How to Make Vanilla French Beignets

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk until it’s just above body temperature (around 110°F). Stir in sugar and yeast, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Cut into 2 to 3-inch squares using a sharp knife or pastry cutter. Transfer the cut pieces to a floured tray, cover loosely with a towel, and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry a few beignets at a time, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides—about 1–2 minutes per side. Don’t crowd the pan.

Step 6: Drain and Dust

Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined tray. While still warm, generously dust with powdered sugar on all sides.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Watch the Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil around 350°F. Too hot, and they’ll brown before cooking through. Too cool, and they’ll absorb oil.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Knead just until smooth. Overworking can make the dough tough.
• Double Rise is Key: Don’t skip either rise—it’s what gives beignets that iconic puff.
• Dust While Warm: Powdered sugar sticks best when the beignets are still warm from the fryer.

How to Serve

Serve these vanilla beignets while they’re still warm and irresistibly soft. They’re perfect with a hot cup of coffee, a café au lait, or a strong black tea. For a more indulgent touch, offer a small bowl of chocolate sauce or fruit jam for dipping. Hosting brunch? These make a dazzling centerpiece alongside fresh fruit and mimosas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll lose some crispness but still taste delicious.

Freezing

Freeze unfried, cut dough pieces on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and let rise for 30 minutes before frying.

Reheating

Warm day-old beignets in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. You can also zap them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but they’ll be softer.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! After the first rise, cover and refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it sit at room temp for 30–45 minutes before rolling and cutting.

Do I need a stand mixer to make these?
Not at all. While a mixer makes it easier, you can knead the dough by hand. Just make sure to give it a good 8–10 minutes to develop the right texture.

What oil is best for frying beignets?
A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works great. Avoid olive oil—it has a strong flavor and a low smoke point.

Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though results may vary. The texture won’t be exactly the same, but they’ll still be tasty.

Final Thoughts

These Vanilla French Beignets are truly something special. They bring a little bit of indulgent magic to your kitchen—whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a celebration. Yes, they take some time, but the process is simple and so worth it. Soft, fluffy, golden bites of joy. Go ahead, treat yourself. You deserve it.

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