Name: Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast; ¾ cup warm water; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup whole milk; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 cups all-purpose flour; Pinch of salt; Oil for frying; Powdered sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe

Imagine the air filled with the irresistible scent of frying dough, a golden crunch giving way to an impossibly soft, vanilla-kissed center, all lavishly dusted with snowy powdered sugar. This is pure bliss in pastry form, and that’s exactly what you get with this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a soul-satisfying afternoon treat, these pillowy beignets boast the kind of classic flavor and texture that delights with every bite. Bring a taste of Paris right into your home kitchen and let a sprinkle of sweet nostalgia take center stage.

Vanilla French Beignets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Vanilla French Beignets Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting that classic beignet experience. Choose quality ingredients where you can, because the magic here is in the flavor and texture that comes from each component working together.

Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ tsp): This gives your beignets their signature airy rise, ensuring each one is soft and fluffy inside.
Warm Water (¾ cup): The perfect temperature will help your yeast activate, so your dough puffs up beautifully later on.
Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Adds just enough sweetness, and a pinch in the yeast mix helps kickstart fermentation.
Large Eggs (2): Bring richness and structure to the dough, making every bite wonderfully tender.
Whole Milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and helps that dreamy, cloud-soft interior form.
Unsalted Butter, melted (3 tbsp): Gives depth of flavor and that unmistakable decadent mouthfeel.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Infuses the dough with aromatic warmth that makes this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe truly shine.
All-Purpose Flour (4 cups): The backbone of your beignets—the base that pulls all the delicious ingredients together.
Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings all the other flavors forward.
Oil for Frying: Neutral oils like canola or vegetable are best for a clean, crisp finish.
Powdered Sugar for dusting: The finishing touch that turns your beignets into a café-worthy masterpiece.

How to Make Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Let’s kick things off by helping your yeast spring to life. Dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with a pinch of sugar. Give it a gentle stir, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s bubbly and frothy. This step wakes up your yeast, ensuring your beignets get that beautiful lift and lovely tenderness. If your mixture doesn’t foam, it’s a sign the yeast might be inactive—start again with fresh yeast for the fluffiest results.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rest of your granulated sugar, eggs, whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. This luscious blend gives the final beignets rich flavor and keeps the dough moist. Adding the vanilla at this stage ensures it’s more evenly distributed, infusing the entire batch with that sweet, aromatic note that sets this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe apart.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Next, gradually add your flour and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough begins to come together. If you have a stand mixer, a dough hook speeds things along, but a sturdy spoon and some muscle do the trick, too! Knead the dough for several minutes (a little flour on your hands helps with stickiness) until it’s smooth, elastic, and only slightly tacky. This step is vital for that classic beignet structure.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow it to rise for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size. This slow rise builds complexity of flavor and perfects the beignet’s airy texture. Watching the dough puff up never fails to feel a bit magical!

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the risen dough until it’s about ½ inch thick. Grab a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or biscuit cutter, and slice the dough into squares or circles—classic beignet shapes. If you want that French bistro flair, cut them into rough diamonds. These shapes fry evenly and puff up charmingly once they hit the oil.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or a heavy pot—use a thermometer for accuracy if you have one! Carefully drop in a few pieces at a time (don’t crowd them), frying each side for about 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Watch as each beignet develops that gorgeous puff and take on a beautiful color. Transfer them to paper towels to drain, keeping them warm while you work in batches.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar

There’s nothing quite like that cloud of powdered sugar drifting over hot, fresh beignets. Generously sift powdered sugar over the tops while the beignets are still warm—it melts slightly into the surface, coating each piece in that classic New Orleans café finish. Now your Vanilla French Beignets Recipe is ready for its grand debut!

How to Serve Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

Garnishes

The simplest and most traditional garnish is a generous snowfall of powdered sugar. For a twist, you could also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or a quick vanilla glaze over the top. A light sprinkle of citrus zest or a few raspberries on the side add color and a hint of tartness, elevating each bite of your Vanilla French Beignets Recipe.

Side Dishes

Beignets pair beautifully with hot drinks. Serve them alongside strong French coffee, café au lait, or even a mug of rich hot chocolate for a cozy, authentic experience. Fresh fruit or a simple berry compote on the side counterbalances the sweet richness and adds a delightful burst of flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner pastry chef by stacking beignets on a pretty platter with berries scattered around, or serve them in a paper bag for that street-snack vibe! For gatherings, set up a “beignet bar” with little bowls of lemon curd, jam, or Nutella for dipping. However you choose to serve, a flourish of extra powdered sugar always feels like magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled beignets in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best on the day they’re made but will keep for up to 2 days. Don’t refrigerate, as this can dry them out and compromise that tender interior.

Freezing

To freeze, let your beignets cool completely, then layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat straight from the freezer to revive their freshly-fried charm—just hold off on the powdered sugar until serving.

Reheating

Warm leftover or frozen beignets in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until heated through. You can also pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes if you have one. Give them a fresh dusting of powdered sugar after reheating, and you’ll hardly notice they weren’t just fried.

FAQs

Can I make the Vanilla French Beignets Recipe dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough through the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling, cutting, and frying for fresh-morning beignets with minimal effort.

What’s the best oil for frying beignets?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, works best. These oils won’t overpower the delicate vanilla and allow your beignets to fry up golden and light.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be swapped in directly. You can add instant yeast right to your dry ingredients, but keep a close eye on the dough—it may rise a bit faster than with active dry yeast.

How do I know when my beignets are done frying?

They should be a uniform golden color and puffed up, with a crisp exterior. Typically, 2 to 3 minutes per side at 350°F is ideal, but always test your first batch to nail that perfect timing.

Can I make this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe without eggs?

While eggs add richness and aid in structure, you can experiment with egg substitutes like applesauce or a commercial egg replacer. The result won’t be quite as traditional, but it’s a good alternative for dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one treat to truly warm a morning—or brighten any afternoon—it’s this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at brunch or just want to create a sweet moment for yourself, these beignets always delight. Give them a try, and let the scent of fresh, home-fried pastries turn your kitchen into your favorite café!

Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 30 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 beignets 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Vanilla French Beignets with this easy-to-follow recipe. These light and fluffy pastries are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of the day.

Instructions

Dissolve Yeast: Dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
Let Dough Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into squares or circles.
Fry: Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F. Fry beignets until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Drain and Serve: Remove and drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Be careful when frying to maintain oil temperature for the perfect beignet texture.
For a twist, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the powdered sugar for dusting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: French