Fluffy Vanilla Beignets Recipe: A Taste of French Sweetness

Soft, pillowy clouds of fried dough dusted with powdered sugar have long captivated dessert enthusiasts around the world.

Delicate vanilla French beignets hold a special charm that transports you straight to the charming streets of New Orleans.

These golden, crispy treats emerge from hot oil with a magical promise of pure indulgence.

The delicate pastry melts in your mouth, releasing a subtle sweetness that lingers on your palate.

Crafted with simple ingredients and a touch of love, these beignets are more than just a dessert – they’re a celebration of culinary simplicity.

Each bite connects you to a rich tradition of French-inspired comfort food.

Start your sweet adventure and let these irresistible beignets become your next kitchen triumph.

Why Vanilla French Beignets Stand Out

• Dive into a straightforward recipe that welcomes both novice and experienced bakers with its simple, step-by-step process and minimal complex techniques.
• These vanilla-infused beignets work wonderfully as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert, making them a flexible addition to any meal plan.
• Enjoy the magical transformation from simple dough to golden, puffy treats dusted with powdered sugar, creating a multisensory culinary experience that delights both taste and touch.

What’s in Vanilla French Beignets

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary base that provides structure and body to the beignets.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast for proper rising.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for creating the light, airy texture of traditional French beignets.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the pastry.

• Warm Milk: Creates moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and contributes to the tender texture of the beignets.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a delightful aromatic flavor to the pastry.

• Vegetable Oil, Powdered Sugar: Essential for deep-frying the beignets and creating the classic sweet, snowy coating that makes these pastries irresistible.

How to Make Vanilla French Beignets

Step 1: Combine Dry Foundations

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt.

Whisk these ingredients until they blend seamlessly, creating a uniform mixture that will be the backbone of your delightful treats.

Step 2: Craft Liquid Magic

• Melted unsalted butter
• Pure vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until they create a fragrant liquid base that will bring your dough to life.

Step 3: Merge Wet and Dry Worlds

Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients.

Stir with a wooden spoon, watching as a soft dough begins to form.

Keep mixing until everything melds together into a cohesive, slightly sticky texture.

Step 4: Transform the Dough

Move the dough onto a floured surface and knead with passion for 8-10 minutes.

Work the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, adding a sprinkle of flour if it gets too clingy.

Step 5: Allow Dough to Breathe

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, giving it a quick oil coating.

Cover with a clean cloth and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1.5 hours, watching it double in size and develop its character.

Step 6: Shape Delectable Squares

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness.

Slice into neat 2×2 inch squares, preparing them for their crispy destiny.

Step 7: Prepare Frying Station

Fill a deep pot with vegetable oil to about 2 inches deep.

Heat to 360F, using a thermometer to nail the perfect temperature for golden, crispy beignets.

Step 8: Create Crispy Clouds

Carefully lower dough squares into the hot oil in small batches.

Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Use a slotted spoon to rescue them from the oil.

Step 9: Snowfall of Sweetness

Transfer the fried beignets to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Then go wild with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, creating a delightful snow-like coating.

Step 10: Serve and Devour

Let the beignets cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain their perfect texture.

Serve warm and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary bliss.

Top Tips for Vanilla French Beignets

• Ensure milk is warm (110F) to wake up the yeast without killing it, creating a perfect rising environment for soft, fluffy beignets.
• Add flour gradually if the dough feels too sticky, aiming for a smooth, elastic texture that's easy to handle during kneading.
• Use a thermometer to maintain 360F oil, preventing greasy or burned beignets and ensuring a golden, crispy exterior.
• Generously coat beignets with powdered sugar while still warm, allowing the sugar to stick and create a delightful sweet layer.
• Place fried beignets on paper towels to remove excess oil, then transfer to a wire rack to maintain their crispy texture.

Keeping Vanilla French Beignets Fresh

• Store cooled beignets in an airtight container lined with paper towels, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Wrap individual beignets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange beignets on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Sprinkle fresh powdered sugar after reheating for renewed sweetness.
• Set air fryer to 350°F, place beignets in a single layer, and warm for 2-3 minutes until crisp and heated through. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Perfect Pairings for Vanilla French Beignets

• Pair Sweet Sips with Vanilla Beignets: A classic café au lait creates the perfect coffee companion, balancing the sugary pastry with rich, smooth java.
• Complement with Fruity Notes: A chilled raspberry or strawberry smoothie offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet beignets, cutting through their richness with bright, tangy flavors.
• Match with Creamy Beverages: A cold glass of French vanilla milkshake echoes the vanilla in the beignets, creating a harmonious dessert experience that feels indulgent and comforting.
• Enhance with Sparkling Delight: A light prosecco or champagne adds elegant bubbles that cleanse the palate between bites, making each beignet taste fresh and exciting.

Alternate Takes on Vanilla French Beignets

• Gluten-Free Beignets: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the mixture contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan French Beignets: Swap milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with a flax egg mixture to create a plant-based version.
• Whole Wheat Healthier Option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a slightly nuttier flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Variation: Reduce granulated sugar by half and use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lighter, less sweet beignet option.

FAQs

• Are beignets difficult to make at home?

Beignets are surprisingly simple to prepare. With basic ingredients and some patience during the rising process, home cooks can easily create these delightful pastries. The key is following each step carefully and maintaining the right oil temperature.

• What type of yeast works best for beignets?

Active dry yeast is perfect for this recipe. It helps the dough rise and creates that signature light, airy texture. Make sure the yeast is fresh and activated with warm milk around 110F for best results.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just let the dough come to room temperature and rise before rolling and frying. This makes preparation more convenient for busy schedules.

• How do I know when the beignets are perfectly cooked?

Golden brown color and puffy texture are your indicators. They should take 1-2 minutes per side and look evenly colored. If they’re dark brown quickly, your oil is too hot. A cooking thermometer helps ensure the right 360F temperature.

Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet dreams of New Orleans come alive with Vanilla French Beignets, a delicate pastry dusted with powdered sugar that whispers classic French culinary tradition. Crisp exterior and pillowy center promise a delightful escape into pure indulgence you’ll savor with every heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) pure vanilla extract

Cooking and Finishing:

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly and ensure consistent flavor development.
2. In a separate container, blend warm milk (110F), melted butter, and vanilla extract until smoothly integrated, creating an aromatic liquid foundation for the dough.
3. Gradually merge wet ingredients into dry components, stirring with a wooden spoon until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough forms.
4. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead energetically for 8-10 minutes, developing elasticity and smoothness. Add minimal flour if dough becomes excessively sticky.
5. Place kneaded dough in a greased bowl, rotating to coat with oil. Cover with a cloth and allow to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1.5 hours, or until volume doubles.
6. Deflate risen dough by gently pressing down. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness, then slice into precise 2×2 inch squares using a sharp knife.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 360F, monitoring temperature carefully with a thermometer to achieve optimal frying conditions.
8. Carefully lower dough squares into hot oil in small batches, frying 1-2 minutes per side until they transform into puffy, golden-brown delicacies.
9. Extract beignets with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels. Once slightly cooled, generously dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
10. Serve immediately for maximum crispness and flavor, or allow to cool briefly on a wire rack to maintain textural integrity.

Notes

• Activate yeast precisely by using warm milk at the right temperature, around 110°F, to ensure optimal dough rising without killing the yeast.
• Keep dough consistency slightly sticky for lighter, fluffier beignets, adding flour sparingly to prevent dense texture.
• Use a candy thermometer for accurate oil temperature, maintaining 360°F to achieve perfectly crispy exterior and soft interior without absorbing excess grease.
• Dust beignets with powdered sugar immediately after frying for maximum sweetness and classic New Orleans-style presentation.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg