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. People adore these beignets not just for their incredible taste, but also for their convenience—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack any time of day. Join me as we explore the art of making Vanilla French Beignets, and discover why they hold a special place in the hearts of so many.

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 delicious 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. Whisk 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 mixed. 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. 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.
2. 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 carefully 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. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Each beignet should have enough space to puff up and float freely.
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 plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.
4. Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent. If the oil gets too hot, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning.

Dusting and Serving

Now that our beignets are fried to perfection, it’s time to dust them with powdered sugar and serve them up!

1. Once the beignets have cooled slightly (just a couple of minutes), place them in a large bowl or on a plate. Generously dust them with

   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

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 45 minutes
   • Yield: 12 beignets 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   Indulge in these light and fluffy beignets, perfectly fried to a golden brown and dusted with powdered sugar. A delightful treat for breakfast or dessert!

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   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

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   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk together until well blended.
   2. In a separate bowl, crack 2 large eggs and beat them lightly. Add 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
   3. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter to the mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
   4. Once the dough is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
   5. After the dough has rested, prepare your frying station. In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer, pour enough vegetable oil to fill it about 2-3 inches deep.
   6. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
   7. Prepare a plate lined with paper towels to drain the fried beignets.
   8. Once the oil is hot, use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches of 3-4 beignets at a time.
   9. Fry the beignets for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until they turn a golden brown color. Flip them over and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
   10. Remove the beignets from the oil using a slotted spoon and allow any excess oil to drip off before transferring them to the prepared plate.
   11. Continue frying the remaining dough in batches until all the beignets are cooked.
   12. Once all the beignets are fried and drained, dust them with powdered sugar. Serve warm with optional dipping sauces.

   Notes

   • For a flavored twist, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or lemon zest to the dough.
   • Ensure the oil temperature is consistent to avoid greasy beignets.
   • Beignets are best served fresh, but they can be reheated in an oven to restore some crispiness.

   • Prep Time: 30 minutes
   • Cook Time: 15 minutes