Beignets are the very definition of indulgence—a light, airy pastry with a golden crust, dusted generously with powdered sugar. Originating in France and brought to fame in New Orleans, these delightful treats are often associated with lazy weekend mornings, café vibes, and the sweet comfort of tradition. If you’ve never tried making beignets at home, don’t worry—they’re easier than they seem, and the result is nothing short of magical.
Whether you’re preparing them for a special brunch, a cozy movie night, or just because you deserve a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe will guide you every step of the way. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure and create a batch of beignets that will have everyone coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With clear steps, these beignets are beginner-friendly.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or fillings for a personal touch.
- Perfectly balanced: Sweet but not overly so, making them a versatile treat.
- Irresistibly fluffy: Light as air, they’re a joy to bite into.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ½ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How to Make Vanilla French Beignets
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. - Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir in the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Add the softened butter and knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. - Let It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size. - Roll and Cut
Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, slice the dough into 2×2-inch squares. - Heat the Oil
In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Test the oil with a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and turn golden in about a minute. - Fry the Beignets
Fry 3–4 beignets at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1–2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. - Dust and Serve
Generously dust the warm beignets with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the ultimate experience!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip the rise: Proper rising ensures your beignets will be light and fluffy.
- Use a thermometer: Maintaining the oil at 350°F is key for even frying.
- Dust generously: Don’t hold back on the powdered sugar—it’s part of the charm!
- Serve fresh: Beignets are best enjoyed warm, straight from the fryer.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 24 beignets
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Beignets are highly versatile—experiment with flavored sugars, or even drizzle them with honey or chocolate sauce for a decadent twist.
- If you have leftovers (unlikely!), reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to refresh their crispness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 125
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Sugar: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make beignets ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before frying.
2. Can I bake beignets instead of frying them?
While traditional beignets are fried, you can bake them at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes. They won’t have the same texture but will still be delicious!
3. Can I freeze beignet dough?
Absolutely. After cutting the dough into squares, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw, let rise, and fry as usual.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store cooled beignets in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fried beignets in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
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Conclusion
Making homemade beignets is more than just cooking—it’s creating an experience. The smell of vanilla-scented dough frying, the joy of dusting powdered sugar over warm pastries, and the satisfaction of biting into something so light and pillowy—it’s all pure magic. Give this recipe a try and bring a little café charm to your home. You deserve it!
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Vanilla French Beignets
Description
Beignets are the very definition of indulgence—a light, airy pastry with a golden crust, dusted generously with powdered sugar. Originating in France and brought to fame in New Orleans, these delightful treats are often associated with lazy weekend mornings, café vibes, and the sweet comfort of tradition. If you’ve never tried making beignets at home, don’t worry—they’re easier than they seem, and the result is nothing short of magical.
Whether you’re preparing them for a special brunch, a cozy movie night, or just because you deserve a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe will guide you every step of the way. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure and create a batch of beignets that will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. - Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir in the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Add the softened butter and knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. - Let It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size. - Roll and Cut
Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, slice the dough into 2×2-inch squares. - Heat the Oil
In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Test the oil with a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and turn golden in about a minute. - Fry the Beignets
Fry 3–4 beignets at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1–2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. - Dust and Serve
Generously dust the warm beignets with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the ultimate experience!
Notes
- Beignets are highly versatile—experiment with flavored sugars, or even drizzle them with honey or chocolate sauce for a decadent twist.
- If you have leftovers (unlikely!), reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to refresh their crispness.
