If you’ve ever wanted to bring the unmistakable magic of a Parisian café into your own kitchen, Vanilla French Beignets are your dream come true. These are golden-fried clouds of dough dusted with heaps of powdered sugar, offering delicate vanilla aromas in every bite. They’re the kind of treat that inspires joy with their pillowy soft centers and irresistible sweetness. Perfect for festive mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or whenever you want to turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary, Vanilla French Beignets make any moment special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Vanilla French Beignets are beautifully simple, yet each one plays a critical role in their signature taste and texture. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll achieve that perfect balance of airy interior, crisp exterior, and that fragrant vanilla touch.
- Warm water (1 cup, 110°F): Essential for activating the yeast and giving your beignets their lift and airy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a hint of sweetness and helps feed the yeast so the dough rises properly.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons, 1 packet): This brings the dough to life, making your beignets light and puffy.
- Large egg (1): Provides richness, structure, and that beautiful golden color to the finished pastry.
- Evaporated milk (1/2 cup): Gives the dough a subtle creaminess and deeper flavor than traditional milk.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): The star of the show; brings warmth and rounds out the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation of every great beignet; creates a sturdy yet tender bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Adds just the right amount of richness, contributing to a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil that crisps the outside without overpowering flavors.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): The classic crowning touch for every Vanilla French Beignet — don’t be shy!
How to Make Vanilla French Beignets
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks foamy — that’s your cue the yeast is alive and kicking, promising you light, airy results.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
To that bubbly yeast mixture, whisk in the egg, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. This is where the vanilla starts working its magic, infusing the dough with its signature sweet aroma and flavor.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Butter
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, salt, and softened unsalted butter. Stir until everything comes together into a sticky, cohesive dough. Don’t worry if it looks a bit shaggy at this point; that’s exactly what you want before kneading.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a dough that’s smooth, elastic, and only slightly tacky. This step builds the gluten that gives Vanilla French Beignets their delightful chew.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it sit in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The dough should double in size, feeling light and puffy — a testament to all the work you and the yeast have just done.
Step 6: Shape the Beignets
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a dough cutter to slice it into neat 2-inch squares or rectangles. This classic shape gives each Vanilla French Beignet those crisp edges we all crave.
Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil to 360°F in a deep fryer or a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot. Carefully add a few dough squares at a time, frying each side for 2 to 3 minutes — or until gorgeously puffed and golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and marvel at your handiwork!
Step 8: Dust and Serve
While they’re still warm (but not scorching hot), shower your Vanilla French Beignets generously with powdered sugar. The snow-like sugar melts just slightly, creating the most inviting finish. Serve immediately for pure joy in every bite.
How to Serve Vanilla French Beignets
Garnishes
The best thing about Vanilla French Beignets is their versatility with toppings. A classic, thick blanket of powdered sugar is traditional, but don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a flavor twist. Lemon zest or even a touch of raspberry jam on the side can elevate your beignets from delicious to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Enjoying Vanilla French Beignets with the right accompaniment makes the experience even more delightful. Serve alongside café au lait, rich hot chocolate, or even fresh fruit salad. The contrast of a steaming beignet with a chilled fruit compote is pure breakfast perfection.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, pile your beignets on a tiered cake stand with ramekins of dips like chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or caramel. Want to wow at a party? Thread warm Vanilla French Beignets onto skewers, dust again with sugar, and serve with mini dipping cups. They’re just as charming on a pretty platter as part of afternoon tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to save a few Vanilla French Beignets, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Be prepared — they’re best the day they’re made, but you can refresh them easily.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftover beignets! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This is a real treat for future cravings.
Reheating
To recapture that original warmth and softness, pop frozen or day-old Vanilla French Beignets in a preheated 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes. A quick re-dusting of powdered sugar before serving makes them taste just as delicious as fresh.
FAQs
Can I make Vanilla French Beignets without a deep fryer?
Absolutely! A heavy-bottomed pot works perfectly — just make sure to monitor the oil temperature with a thermometer and fry in small batches for even cooking.
What’s the best way to get the dough to rise?
Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is chilly, try placing the bowl in an (off) oven with the light turned on or near a sunny window for ideal proofing conditions.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! The dough can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature and finish rising before shaping and frying your Vanilla French Beignets.
Why do my beignets sometimes come out oily?
Oily beignets are usually the result of oil that’s not hot enough. Always wait until your oil reaches 360°F before frying; this ensures a quick seal on the dough, keeping it light and non-greasy.
How do I prevent the beignets from deflating after frying?
Let the beignets drain on paper towels right after frying but avoid stacking them. Serve and dust with powdered sugar while still warm to maintain their puff and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s a unique kind of happiness in making (and devouring) a batch of Vanilla French Beignets. With their tender crumb, lovely vanilla aroma, and snowy shower of sugar, these French pastries will turn any moment into a memory. Give this recipe a try — your kitchen, and everyone lucky enough to taste them, will thank you!
Print
Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 24 beignets 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Vanilla French Beignets, classic fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar. These beignets are perfect for breakfast or dessert, and they’re sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; mix. Gradually add flour, salt, and butter to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
- Rise and Shape: Let the dough rise until doubled. Roll out and cut into squares.
- Fry: Heat oil to 360°F. Fry beignets until golden brown.
- Serve: Drain and dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Serve with fruit preserves or chocolate sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 beignets
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
