If you’ve ever visited New Orleans, you’ve likely experienced the city’s iconic beignets—pillowy, golden fried dough dusted with powdered sugar. These delectable pastries have become a staple of French cuisine and are perfect for any occasion. But did you know you can make them yourself? Vanilla French Beignets are an easy-to-make variation of this beloved treat that’s packed with a rich, sweet flavor. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a French-inspired breakfast or simply want to impress your friends and family with a delicious homemade dessert, this recipe will have you covered.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process from preparing the dough to frying the beignets and serving them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar. By the end of this article, you’ll have a perfect batch of Vanilla French Beignets that are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with vanilla flavor.
Ingredients for Vanilla French Beignets
Before we get into the instructions, it’s important to gather all your ingredients for these delicious Vanilla French Beignets. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Beignet Dough:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon active dry yeast
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1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon salt
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Topping:
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
Notes on Ingredients
While these ingredients may seem simple, they are key to making the perfect Vanilla French Beignets. The all-purpose flour creates a soft and airy texture, while the granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. The active dry yeast gives the dough its fluffy, light rise, and the combination of eggs and butter helps achieve that soft, tender texture inside. Vanilla extract provides the classic aromatic flavor, and the vegetable oil ensures the beignets fry to a crispy, golden perfection.
For the topping, powdered sugar is the traditional choice, and it adds that signature sweetness to finish off your beignets.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Vanilla French Beignets
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the process of making these irresistible Vanilla French Beignets. Each step is straightforward, and with a little patience, you’ll be able to enjoy homemade beignets in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Beignet Dough
To begin making your beignet dough, you’ll need to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk and 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast. Stir it together and let it sit for about 5 minutes. The yeast will begin to bubble and froth, which means it’s ready to be added to the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This will form the dry base for your dough. After the yeast mixture has bubbled and activated, add it to the dry ingredients along with 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter.
Using a spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until the dough starts to come together. Once the dough has formed, transfer it to a clean surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process is essential for developing the right texture for the beignets.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Once the dough is smooth and elastic, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the dough rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the fermentation process, where the yeast will work its magic and create air pockets that give the beignets their light, fluffy texture.
Step 4: Shape the Beignets
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Then, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares or rectangles—each piece should be roughly 2-3 inches in size.
If you prefer a more classic shape, you can also make round beignets, but square or rectangular shapes are often easier to fry and serve.
Step 5: Fry the Beignets
To fry the beignets, heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to submerge the beignets completely. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and floats to the surface, the oil is hot enough.
Carefully lower the beignet squares into the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the beignets for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the beignets from the oil, and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Drain and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once your Vanilla French Beignets are fried to perfection, it’s time to give them the finishing touch. Dust the beignets generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm. The powdered sugar will melt slightly on the hot surface, creating a sweet glaze that coats the beignets in a delicious sugary layer.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Now that your Vanilla French Beignets are complete, it’s time to serve them! These beignets are best enjoyed warm, so serve them as soon as possible after frying. Whether you’re having them for breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or as a dessert after a festive meal, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Pair them with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for the ultimate indulgence.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Vanilla French Beignets
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Proper Frying Temperature: Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F) before frying. If the oil is too hot, the beignets will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, they may become greasy and soggy.
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Fresh Yeast: Using fresh yeast is essential for achieving the light, fluffy texture in your beignets. Be sure to check the expiration date on your yeast and make sure it’s still active.
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Kneading the Dough: Kneading the dough properly will help develop the gluten and give your beignets the right texture. Don’t rush this step—it’s crucial for achieving that soft and tender inside.
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Dough Consistency: If your dough is too sticky while kneading, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much or your beignets will be tough.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the beignets in batches. Overcrowding the pot can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, leading to greasy beignets.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love sweet, indulgent treats like Vanilla French Beignets, be sure to check out these recipes that share similar flavors or cooking methods:
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Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars – These bars feature a buttery, nutty crust and a sweet, gooey pecan topping—perfect for anyone who loves rich, dessert-style treats.
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Creamy Butterscotch Cheesecake – A velvety cheesecake with a rich butterscotch flavor, ideal for those who love decadent desserts with a creamy twist.
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Better Than Anything Bars – These bars are as indulgent as the name suggests, combining rich chocolate, caramel, and toffee for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Nutritional Information for Vanilla French Beignets
While these Vanilla French Beignets are absolutely delicious, they are a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. On average, each beignet contains approximately:
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Calories: 150-200 kcal per beignet (depending on size and how much oil is absorbed)
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Carbs: 25g
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Fat: 8g
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Protein: 3g
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Sugar: 8g
To keep your beignets a bit lighter, consider adjusting the amount of powdered sugar or frying oil.
Final Thoughts on Vanilla French Beignets
Making Vanilla French Beignets at home is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create soft, fluffy, and delicious beignets that taste just as good as those found in a French patisserie. Whether you’re looking for a special treat to serve at a brunch or want to indulge in a sweet snack, these beignets are sure to impress.
Try out this recipe the next time you’re craving a homemade pastry, and don’t forget to enjoy them fresh out of the fryer with a generous dusting of powdered sugar!
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Vanilla French Beignets: A Delightful Homemade Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 beignets 1x
Description
Vanilla French Beignets are a delicious, light, and fluffy pastry that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, these beignets are a timeless treat that will transport your taste buds straight to New Orleans. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert or a special breakfast, these beignets will be a hit at your next gathering or family brunch!
Ingredients
For the Beignet Dough:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon active dry yeast
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1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon salt
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Topping:
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy and bubbly.
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Mix Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix until smooth.
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Rise the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape Beignets: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch thickness and cut into squares or rectangles.
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Fry Beignets: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the beignets in batches, for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
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Drain & Dust: Remove the beignets from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. While they are still warm, dust with powdered sugar.
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Serve: Serve the warm, fluffy Vanilla French Beignets with a hot beverage or as a sweet dessert. Enjoy!
Notes
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For Extra Flavor: You can add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for added warmth and spice.
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Alternative Toppings: While powdered sugar is the classic topping, you can drizzle them with a chocolate glaze or a vanilla glaze for an extra indulgent treat.
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Storage: These beignets are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Vanilla French Beignets, beignet recipe, French beignets, homemade beignets, dessert recipes, New Orleans beignets, beignets with powdered sugar, fried pastries, easy beignet recipe