Description
These Vanilla French Beignets are light, airy fried dough squares infused with pure vanilla and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, they're an indulgent treat ideal for brunch or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
1½ cups (≈360 ml) warm water (105–115 °F / ~40–46 °C)
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 large egg
½ cup (115 g) evaporated milk (or regular milk)
1 tsp salt
7 cups (~875 g–1 kg) all‑purpose flour
2 Tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the egg, evaporated milk, salt, butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic—about 8–10 minutes with a mixer or 10–12 minutes by hand.
- Place dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into 2–3 inch squares.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350 °F (175 °C). Test with a small dough piece—it should bubble immediately.
- Fry a few dough squares at a time, turning after 1–2 minutes until both sides are golden and puffed.
- Remove with tongs or a spider, drain briefly on paper towels, and dust generously with powdered sugar while warm.
- Repeat until all dough is fried. Serve hot.
Notes
For a twist, substitute almond or orange extract for the vanilla.
Fill with pastry cream or jam using a piping bag after frying.
Mix cinnamon into powdered sugar for a spiced variation.
Add mini chocolate chips to dough before rolling for a chocolate version.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven before serving.
Only dust with powdered sugar right before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
