why make this recipe
Vanilla French Beignets are a delightful treat that bring a bit of joy to any occasion. These soft, sweet pastries are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack. They are simple to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, who can resist a warm, fluffy beignet dusted with powdered sugar? It’s an indulgent experience that is sure to please everyone.
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 on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough, then 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 beignets a few at a time for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Remove 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 Vanilla French Beignets warm for the best experience. You can present them on a platter with a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a lovely afternoon snack or breakfast. They are also delicious on their own, so feel free to enjoy them anytime!
how to store Vanilla French Beignets
If you have leftover beignets, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes until they are soft and warm again.
tips to make Vanilla French Beignets
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. The temperature should ideally be between 105°F and 115°F.
- Don’t rush the rising process. Let the dough double in size for the best texture.
- For extra flavor, try adding a bit of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough.
- Use fresh oil for frying to achieve the best results.
variation
You can experiment with different flavors by adding chocolate, almond extract, or citrus zest to the dough. You could also fill the beignets with a cream or fruit filling before frying for a delicious twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise. Once it has doubled in size, you can punch it down, shape it into squares or rectangles, and then refrigerate it overnight.
2. What if I don’t have a deep fryer?
You can use a large pot for frying. Just make sure to monitor the oil temperature closely to ensure even cooking.
3. Can I bake the beignets instead of frying them?
While beignets are traditionally fried, you can bake them at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes. They will have a different texture but can still be delicious!
Vanilla French Beignets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful soft pastries that are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, dusted with powdered sugar.
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
Instructions
- 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 on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough, then 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 beignets a few at a time for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Remove beignets with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving warm.
Notes
Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, and don’t rush the rising process for the best texture. Experiment with adding different flavors like nutmeg or chocolate.