Vanilla French Beignets [120 Minutes]
These classic Vanilla French Beignets are pillowy, golden-fried doughnuts with a delicate hint of vanilla—perfectly dusted with powdered sugar. They’re a timeless treat straight from the streets of Paris, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Rest time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine european, French
Large mixing bowl
Stand mixer (optional)
Rolling Pin
deep fryer or heavy pot
thermometer
Slotted spoon
Paper towels
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk 110°F/43°C
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- Oil for frying vegetable or canola
- Powdered sugar for dusting
In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and butter. Mix until smooth.
Gradually stir in flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead by hand or with a dough hook for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to ½-inch thickness.
Cut into 2–3 inch squares or circles. Place on a tray and cover. Let rest for 15 minutes.
Heat oil in a pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry beignets in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
-
Make sure the oil stays at a consistent 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked beignets.
-
You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise.
-
For a richer flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Keyword beignet recipe, classic beignets, vanilla beignets, French doughnuts, vanilla beignets, vanilla French beignets