Vanilla French Beignets

Vanilla French Beignets are soft, pillowy fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar and infused with warm vanilla flavor. Light and golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, they’re like little bites of sweet clouds—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these beignets bring a little taste of a French bakery right into my kitchen. They’re surprisingly easy to make and absolutely irresistible when served warm. The vanilla gives them a subtle, sweet aroma, and I always enjoy customizing the toppings or filling them with jam or cream. Whether for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, they never disappoint.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Instant yeast
• Warm milk
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Eggs
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

1. I start by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl, letting it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a separate large bowl, I mix the flour and salt.
3. I add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
4. I knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
6. Once risen, I roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness and cut it into squares or circles.
7. I heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry the beignets in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
8. I drain them on paper towels and dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 beignets, depending on the size I cut them. Prep time takes around 20 minutes, plus 1–2 hours for rising, and cooking takes about 20 minutes. Altogether, I set aside about 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I add a touch of cinnamon to the dough or the powdered sugar for a warm spice twist. I’ve also filled them with vanilla pastry cream or raspberry jam by piping it in after frying. For a glazed version, I dip the warm beignets in a vanilla or chocolate glaze instead of using powdered sugar.

storage/reheating

I store leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, I warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. I avoid storing them in the fridge because it makes them go stale faster.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. I let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying the next day.

Why are my beignets not fluffy?

That usually happens if the dough didn’t rise long enough or the oil wasn’t hot enough. I make sure to let the dough double in size and keep the oil at 350°F for best results.

Can I bake beignets instead of frying?

While possible, baked beignets won’t have the same texture or flavor. I prefer frying for that authentic, airy interior and golden crust.

What’s the best oil for frying beignets?

I use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.

Can I flavor the powdered sugar?

Absolutely. I mix in a bit of vanilla bean powder or cinnamon with the powdered sugar for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Vanilla French Beignets are one of my favorite ways to enjoy a homemade treat that feels a little fancy but is totally doable. Soft, golden, and full of vanilla flavor, they’re perfect for any time I want to impress—or just indulge in something sweet and special.

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