Description
Indulge in the irresistible Vanilla French Beignets, a delightful twist on the classic pastry. These beignets feature a light, airy dough with a sweet vanilla flavor, fried to crispy perfection on the outside and soft on the inside. Dusted with powdered sugar, they make a perfect breakfast treat, snack, or dessert. Pair them with café au lait for a true French experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a delicious indulgence, these beignets will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Beignets: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into squares or rectangles.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Fry Beignets: Fry the beignets in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Drain and Dust: Remove the beignets from the oil, drain on paper towels, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus zest to the dough for a different flavor twist. You can also fold in mini chocolate chips for a sweet touch.
- Storage: Store leftover beignets in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For the best texture, reheat them in an oven or air fryer.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make these beignets gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French