Make Fluffy Vanilla French Beignets, just saying those words brings a smile to my face and a rumble to my stomach. There’s something truly magical about biting into a pillow-soft, warm beignet that’s perfectly golden on the outside and bursting with sweet vanilla flavor on the inside.
Many people think you need a plane ticket to New Orleans to experience this joy, but I’m here to tell you that you can create café-quality beignets right in your own kitchen, and it’s so much easier than you think! This recipe is my absolute go-to for a special weekend breakfast, a fun project with the kids, or an impressively delicious dessert for guests. So, tie on your apron; we’re about to make some magic happen.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS FLUFFY VANILLA FRENCH BEIGNETS RECIPE
You will absolutely adore this recipe because it delivers that iconic, decadent beignet experience without any fuss. Firstly, we use a simple no-yeast dough, which means there’s zero waiting for proofing. From bowl to plate in under 30 minutes! Secondly, the flavor is incredible. The rich vanilla bean paste (or extract) infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic sweetness that you just can’t get from a box mix. Finally, the process is genuinely fun.
There’s something so satisfyingly therapeutic about frying up these little puffs of dough and watching them turn into golden perfection. It’s a guaranteed way to create happy memories and even happier taste buds.
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Make Fluffy Vanilla French Beignets at Home Tonight!
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 beignets 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light, airy French-style beignets flavored with a hint of vanilla, fried to golden perfection, and dusted with powdered sugar for the ultimate indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- 1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
- 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- 3. Add eggs, butter, vanilla, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- 4. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- 6. Punch down dough and roll out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares or rounds.
- 7. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry beignets in batches until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes per side.
- 8. Drain on paper towels and generously dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Best enjoyed warm and fresh, right after frying.
- You can also fill these beignets with jam, Nutella, or pastry cream for a decadent twist.
- If dough is too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading.
- Pairs beautifully with coffee for a café-style experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Pastry
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: beignets, french doughnuts, vanilla beignets, fluffy beignets
HOW TO MAKE FLUFFY VANILLA FRENCH BEIGNETS
This process is a joyful dance of mixing, frying, and dusting. Don’t be intimidated by the frying; it’s simple once you get going! The key is to keep your oil at a steady temperature for the most consistent, fluffy results.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or high-quality vanilla extract
- 1 quart neutral oil (like vegetable, canola, or peanut) for frying
- 1-2 cups powdered sugar, for generous dusting
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures our leavening agents are evenly distributed for a uniform rise.
STEP 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste until they are completely combined and smooth.
STEP 3: Make the Dough
Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the well. Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, gently stir until a soft, sticky dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine.
STEP 4: Heat the Oil
Pour your oil into a heavy-bottomed, deep pot or Dutch oven. Attach a candy or deep-fry thermometer to the side. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for golden, cooked-through beignets.
STEP 5: Fry to Perfection
While the oil heats, turn your dough out onto a generously floured surface. Pat it out into a rough 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
Carefully drop a few dough squares at a time into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side, using a slotted spoon or spider strainer to flip them, until they are puffed and golden brown.
STEP 6: Drain and Dust
Remove the beignets from the oil and let them drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on a plate lined with paper towels. Let them cool for just a minute or two while you prepare the next batch.
Place your powdered sugar in a large bowl. While the beignets are still very warm, gently toss them in the powdered sugar until they are coated in a beautiful, snowy blanket of sweetness. Serve immediately!
HOW TO SERVE FLUFFY VANILLA FRENCH BEIGNETS
- Serve Warm and Generously: The only true way to enjoy Fluffy Vanilla French Beignets is warm, piled high on a plate, and dusted with extra powdered sugar.
- Perfect Pairing: For a classic experience, pair them with a strong cup of café au lait or a cold glass of milk.
- Indulgent Dipping Options: For an extra treat, serve with sides like chocolate sauce, raspberry coulis, or a dollop of whipped cream.
- A Star on Their Own: Most importantly, they are so delicious that they remain the star of the show all on their own.
HOW TO STORE FLUFFY VANILLA FRENCH BEIGNETS
- Optimal Enjoyment:
Beignets are at their absolute peak of quality, fluffy, warm, and crisp immediately after they are fried. They are truly best enjoyed the moment they are made. - Cooling for Storage:
If you have leftovers, it is crucial to let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing. Storing them while still warm will trap steam, making them soggy and prone to mold. - Storage Method & Duration:
Once completely cool, place the beignets in an airtight container. Store this container at room temperature. Do not refrigerate, as the refrigerator will accelerate staling and make them tough. Stored this way, they will remain safe to eat for up to 1 day. - Note on Powdered Sugar:
Be aware that during storage, the powdered sugar will mostly be absorbed into the beignet. This is normal and expected. - Reheating Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Warm them in the oven for 5-8 minutes, or until they are heated through.
- This method helps restore a slight crispness to the exterior without burning them.
- Final Presentation:
Immediately after reheating, re-dust the beignets generously with powdered sugar to restore their classic appearance and sweet flavor.
TIPS AND NOTES: YOUR KITCHEN COMPANION
Details: The temperature of your oil is non-negotiable for success. If it’s too cool, the beignets will absorb oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they will brown too quickly on the outside while staying raw inside. A thermometer is your best friend here!
Variation: For a delightful twist, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. You can also add a tablespoon of citrus zest (like orange or lemon) to the wet ingredients for a bright, fresh flavor.
Notes: Keeping your milk and egg at room temperature helps them incorporate smoothly into the dough without solidifying the melted butter. If you forget, you can warm the milk slightly in the microwave and place the egg in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
FLUFFY VANILLA FRENCH BEIGNETS FAQs
Can I bake these beignets instead of frying them?
While frying is essential for the authentic texture, you can bake them for a lighter version. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flipping halfway, until puffed and cooked through. They will be more like a biscuit or scone but will still be tasty!
My beignets aren’t puffing up. What went wrong?
This is usually caused by oil that is not hot enough or old baking powder. Ensure your oil is at a steady 350°F and that your baking powder is fresh and active.
What’s the difference between a beignet and a donut?
Beignets are a type of donut, specifically a French-style pastry. The classic beignet is a square or rectangular piece of fried choux or yeast dough that is always served hot and buried under a mountain of powdered sugar, unlike ring-shaped or filled donuts that are often glazed.
FINAL THOUGHTS LET’S MAKE
There you have it! My secret to effortlessly making Fluffy Vanilla French Beignets that will transport your kitchen straight to the French Quarter. This recipe is all about joy, simplicity, and incredible flavor. I promise, the moment you take that first bite of warm, sugary, vanilla-kissed bliss, you’ll be hooked. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to make something wonderful. Don’t forget to tag me in your photos; I love seeing your creations!