Description
Vanilla French Beignets are delightful, soft pastries with a rich, airy texture and a hint of vanilla. These little squares of fried dough are dusted with powdered sugar, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet.
Ingredients
1 cup warm water (around 110°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is ready to use.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Be sure the butter isn’t too hot, as it could cook the egg.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring to combine. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or knead the dough by hand.
- Once the ingredients are combined, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
- In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the right temperature, as this will give the beignets the perfect crispy texture.
- Carefully drop the dough squares into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry them for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and puffed up. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as that can lower the oil temperature and cause uneven frying.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. While they are still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar.
- Serve the beignets warm for the best texture. They are perfect on their own or with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Notes
- For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh flavor.
- Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spiced version.
- To make them richer, pipe some chocolate ganache into the center before frying.
- If the dough is sticky, gradually add more flour until it’s workable.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
