Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Welcome to the delightful world of the Vanilla French Beignets Recipe, where every bite is a soft, pillowy cloud of sweetness! If you’ve ever strolled through the charming streets of New Orleans or enjoyed a café au lait at a French bistro, you know that beignets are more than just pastries—they’re a warm hug in dessert form. What makes this recipe special is the enchanting hint of vanilla that elevates these little delights, giving them a rich, aromatic flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
Imagine the aroma of freshly fried dough wafting through your kitchen, the satisfying crunch of the powdered sugar dusting, and the blissful experience of biting into a warm beignet that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, surprising your loved ones, or simply treating yourself, these beignets are sure to impress. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the blissful art of making Vanilla French Beignets that will have you dreaming of Paris with every delectable bite!
Ingredient Notes
When preparing my Vanilla French Beignets, I make sure to have the freshest ingredients on hand. Here’s what you will need:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the beignet dough. I prefer using unbleached all-purpose flour for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness is essential. You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you prefer a healthier option.
- Instant Yeast: This helps the beignets rise and become fluffy. If you only have active dry yeast, that works too; just proof it in warm water before adding.
- Whole Milk: This adds richness to the dough. If you’re lactose intolerant, feel free to substitute with almond milk or oat milk.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture. For a vegan alternative, use a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer.
- Vanilla Extract: The star flavor in these beignets! I always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste. If you want to experiment, you can use vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter adds a delicious richness. You can replace this with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting the beignets after frying. You can mix in a little cinnamon for an extra flavor kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making these delightful Vanilla French Beignets!
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Mix well to combine.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of warm whole milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- First Rise: Form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Beignets: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Cut into squares or rectangles, about 2 inches wide.
- Second Rise: Place the cut pieces on a floured baking sheet, cover again, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Fry the Beignets: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in the risen beignets, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Dust with Sugar: While still warm, dust the beignets with powdered sugar. You can also toss them in a bag with powdered sugar for even coverage.
- Serve: Enjoy your warm vanilla beignets fresh, or serve them with a side of fruit compote or chocolate sauce for dipping!
Tips & Suggestions
Here are some handy tips to ensure your Vanilla French Beignets turn out perfectly:
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot; too hot can kill the yeast.
- Don’t Skip the Rises: Allowing the dough to rise properly gives your beignets that light, airy texture.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature; too low, and they get greasy, too high, and they burn.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist on flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your beignets with a delicious cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate treat!
Storage
If you have any leftover Vanilla French Beignets (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just be aware that they may lose some of their crispness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the un-fried dough or the fried beignets. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Enjoy making and indulging in these delightful Vanilla French Beignets!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a touch of Parisian charm to your kitchen, the Vanilla French Beignets Recipe is an absolute must-try. These light, fluffy pastries, delicately flavored with vanilla, are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family brunch or a festive gathering with friends. The satisfaction of biting into a warm beignet, dusted with powdered sugar and infused with that rich vanilla essence, is simply unmatched. I can assure you that once you try making these delightful treats at home, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the sweet aroma of Vanilla French Beignets fill your home—trust me, you won’t regret it!
Delicious Vanilla French Beignets Recipe You’ll Love!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 beignets 1x
Description
Indulge in the soft, pillowy sweetness of Vanilla French Beignets, a delightful treat that brings a taste of Paris to your kitchen. Perfect for brunch or a sweet snack, these beignets are sure to impress with their rich vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Mix well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of warm whole milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Cut into squares or rectangles, about 2 inches wide.
- Place the cut pieces on a floured baking sheet, cover again, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in the risen beignets, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- While still warm, dust the beignets with powdered sugar. You can also toss them in a bag with powdered sugar for even coverage.
- Enjoy your warm vanilla beignets fresh, or serve them with a side of fruit compote or chocolate sauce for dipping!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot; too hot can kill the yeast. Allowing the dough to rise properly gives your beignets that light, airy texture. Use a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature; too low, and they get greasy, too high, and they burn. Feel free to experiment by adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist on flavor.