Name: Vanilla French Beignets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F); 1/4 ounce active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour; Vegetable oil, for frying; Powdered sugar, for dusting

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why make this recipe

Vanilla French Beignets are a delightful treat that can brighten any day. Their soft, fluffy texture combined with the sweet hint of vanilla makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert. They are easy to make and offer a taste of French pastry right in your own kitchen. Plus, dusting them with powdered sugar turns these tasty bites into a lovely, elegant dessert.

how to make Vanilla French Beignets

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
1/4 ounce active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Whisk in the remaining granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Once ready, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2-3 inch squares or rectangles.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the beignets a few at a time for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and puffed.
Remove the beignets with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving warm.

how to serve Vanilla French Beignets

Serve these delicious beignets warm, piled high on a plate and generously dusted with powdered sugar. You can also enjoy them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful brunch treat. For a special touch, serve them with a side of fruit or chocolate sauce for dipping.

how to store Vanilla French Beignets

If you have any leftover beignets, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cooled beignets in a freezer-safe container or bag and keep them in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or microwave until warm.

tips to make Vanilla French Beignets

Ensure the milk is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
When kneading the dough, add flour gradually until it reaches the right consistency.
Avoid overcrowding the frying oil; fry in batches for even cooking.
Keep the heat consistent in the oil to ensure the beignets cook evenly.

variation

You can add a variety of flavors to your beignets. Try adding citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to the dough for a fresh twist. You could also fill them with jam, Nutella, or pastry cream before frying for a delicious surprise inside.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. There’s no need to activate it in warm milk; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

2. How can I make the beignets even sweeter?
You can enhance the sweetness by adding more sugar to the dough or drizzling a simple glaze on top after frying.

3. Can I bake these beignets instead of frying them?
Baking is an option, but the texture will be different. If you prefer to bake, shape the dough into rounds and bake them on a lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. However, they won’t be as fluffy as the fried version.

Vanilla French Beignets