Make Amazing Vanilla French Beignets For Breakfast
Enjoy a delightful breakfast with these amazing vanilla French beignets, featuring fluffy, golden pastries infused with warm vanilla flavor and dusted with powdered sugar. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and brings a classic French café experience to your kitchen, perfect for any morning treat.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 beignets 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) Active Dry Yeast
- 1 ½ cups Whole Milk, warmed to body temperature
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 Large Eggs, beaten
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable Oil (for frying), enough to fill deep skillet or pot about 2–3 inches deep
- Powdered Sugar, for dusting
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Warm the milk until it reaches about body temperature. Stir in granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a sticky dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size, to develop the light, airy texture.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: After rising, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into uniform squares or rectangles approximately 3 inches wide.
- Fry the Beignets: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot. Fry the dough pieces in batches, turning occasionally, for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Dust and Serve: While still warm, generously dust beignets with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F to ensure golden, non-greasy beignets.
- Do not over-knead the dough; knead just until elastic to maintain a light and tender crumb.
- Use fresh, unexpired yeast for optimal dough rise.
- Roll the dough evenly to help it cook uniformly and puff well.
- Enjoy beignets fresh and warm as they lose their signature texture quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 beignets
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: vanilla beignets, French beignets, breakfast pastries, fried dough, powdered sugar beignets, vanilla breakfast treat