Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Introduction
Few pastries capture the spirit of classic French baking like the beignet—a soft, pillowy, golden-fried square dusted with a generous cloud of powdered sugar. This Vanilla French Beignets Recipe stands out for its irresistible combination of delicate texture and fragrant vanilla aroma. Whether you serve these at breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or a show-stopping dessert, they’re sure to impress and delight any crowd.
Why These Vanilla French Beignets Shine
A perfectly made beignet bridges the gap between doughnut and fritter, offering a featherlight crumb and melt-in-your-mouth bite. The addition of real vanilla elevates them with a warm, floral depth, ensuring the flavor sings in every bite. Unlike the store-bought versions, homemade beignets have a tender freshness you simply can’t replicate, making them a memorable treat worth mastering.
Crafting the Perfect Vanilla Beignet Dough
Start by creating a yeasted dough that’s both light and elastic. Accurate measurements are vital—using the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display ensures all ingredients are precisely portioned for consistent results. After mixing and kneading, give the dough ample time to rise—it should double in size for maximum airiness.
A premium-quality vanilla extract or, even better, fresh vanilla bean adds the signature aroma and flavor. Whisked in with eggs and butter, the vanilla infuses every bite with elegance.
The Key to Fluffy, Golden Beignets
Shaping the dough is simple: roll it out on a lightly floured board and cut it into even squares. To achieve a uniform rise and golden crust, fry your beignets in a versatile pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch—its nonstick surface means less mess and easy flipping. Heat oil to just the right temperature (350°F) and fry in small batches for best results.
If you prefer a lighter option, try an air fryer such as the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey. Line the basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll cut to size for hassle-free cleanup, and air fry until puffed and golden.
Finishing Touches and Serving Ideas
Classic beignets are always finished with a snowfall of powdered sugar. Use a fine-mesh sieve for a delicate, even coating. For extra flair, serve them alongside vanilla bean crème anglaise or a fruit compote. Present the treats atop a pretty serving tray, paired with strong coffee or tea for an authentic French café touch.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 16 beignets, with each piece containing roughly 120–140 calories, depending on the frying method. Enjoy them fresh for the best texture and flavor—they’re meant to be a bit of indulgence!
Vanilla French Beignets: The Quintessential French Treat (Recap)
Light as air and warm with the essence of vanilla, these beignets are a true crowd-pleaser. With careful dough preparation and the right tools, you can bring a taste of Parisian street cafés to your own kitchen—no passport required.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the milk, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- With the mixer on low (or by hand), add salt and flour gradually, mixing until a soft, sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes. For precision, measure your flour with an Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp kitchen cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1–2 hours.
- Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured work surface. Roll it out to ½-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or a pastry cutter to cut into 2-inch squares. Let the squares rest for 15 minutes before frying.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in your SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch (or heavy pot/skillet) to 350°F. Fry beignets, a few at a time, until puffed and golden on both sides, about 2 minutes total. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- For air fryer beignets: Preheat the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey to 350°F. Place dough squares on a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- While warm, dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1–2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Enjoy the ethereal lightness and classic flavor of French beignets—the kind of treat that turns any day into a special occasion!
