Vanilla French Beignets: A Delicious Recipe for Perfectly Fluffy Treats

Vanilla French Beignets are a delightful treat that transports you straight to the charming streets of New Orleans with every bite. These pillowy, deep-fried pastries, dusted with powdered sugar, have a rich history rooted in French culinary tradition, making them a beloved staple in both French and Creole cultures. I remember the first time I tasted a beignet; the warm, fluffy texture combined with the sweet, aromatic essence of vanilla was simply irresistible. It’s no wonder that people adore this dish! Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they are also surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy a taste of France right in your kitchen. Whether served as a breakfast delight or a decadent dessert, Vanilla French Beignets are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preparing the Dough

Let’s get started on making these delightful Vanilla French Beignets! First, we need to prepare the dough. Follow these steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended. This will ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. In a separate bowl, crack the two large eggs and whisk them lightly. Then, add the whole milk and pure vanilla extract to the eggs. Mix these wet ingredients together until they are fully combined.
3. Next, pour the melted unsalted butter into the wet mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated. The melted butter adds richness to the beignets, making them extra delicious!
4. Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Once the dough comes together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, which will result in a softer texture for our beignets.

Preparing for Frying

While the dough is resting, let’s prepare for frying. This is an important step to ensure that our beignets turn out perfectly golden and fluffy.

1. In a deep frying pan or a heavy-bottomed pot, pour enough vegetable oil to fill it about 2-3 inches deep. This will allow the beignets to float while frying, ensuring even cooking.
2. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a candy thermometer to check the temperature, or drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
3. While the oil is heating, prepare a plate lined with paper towels. This will be used to drain the excess oil from the beignets once they are fried.

Frying the Beignets

Now comes the fun part—frying the beignets! Follow these steps to achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

1. Once the oil is hot, take a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop and carefully drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
2. Fry the beignets for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to gently flip them over and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
3. Once they are golden brown all over, carefully remove the beignets from the oil using the slotted spoon and transfer them to the prepared plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.
4. Continue frying the remaining dough until all the beignets are cooked. Remember to keep an eye on the oil temperature, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain a consistent frying temperature.

Assembling and Serving

Now that our beignets are fried and looking delicious, it’s time to assemble and serve them!

1. Once the beignets have cooled slightly, it’s time to dust them with powdered sugar. Place the beignets in a large bowl or on a plate, and

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Vanilla French Beignets are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and texture. The light, fluffy dough, combined with the rich vanilla flavor, creates a heavenly experience that will have you coming back for more. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the fryer, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a chocolate glaze, these beignets are versatile enough to suit any palate. For a fun twist, consider adding a hint of cinnamon to the dough or experimenting with different fillings like fruit preserves or chocolate ganache. You can also serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate for the ultimate breakfast or dessert experience. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how your Vanilla French Beignets turn out and any creative variations you come up with. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some delicious memories together! Happy cooking! Print

   Vanilla French Beignets: A Delicious Recipe for Perfectly Fluffy Treats

   

   Print Recipe

   Indulge in the fluffy, golden delight of homemade Vanilla French Beignets! These sweet, pillowy treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert, generously dusted with powdered sugar and served warm, making them a delightful addition to any meal.

   • Author: Maria
   • Prep Time: 30 minutes
   • Cook Time: 15 minutes
   • Total Time: 45 minutes
   • Yield: 12 beignets 1x

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
   • 1 tablespoon baking powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1/2 cup whole milk
   • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
   • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
   • Vegetable oil, for frying
   • Powdered sugar, for dusting

   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk until well blended.
   2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs lightly, then add the whole milk and pure vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
   3. Pour the melted unsalted butter into the wet mixture and stir until well incorporated.
   4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Gently fold together until just combined; a few lumps are fine.
   5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
   6. In a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot, pour enough vegetable oil to fill it about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
   7. Prepare a plate lined with paper towels for draining the fried beignets.
   8. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
   9. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
   10. Remove the beignets from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the paper towel-lined plate.
   11. Dust the warm beignets with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

   Notes

   • For an extra flavor twist, consider adding chocolate chips or fruit preserves to the dough before frying.
   • Be sure to monitor the oil temperature closely to avoid burning the beignets.
   • These beignets are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.