Vanilla French Beignets
Delightful fluffy pastries with a touch of vanilla, perfect for breakfast or dessert, bringing a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed Ensure it's warm, not hot.
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frying Ingredients
- Oil for frying Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut it into squares.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the beignets until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate. Add a side of jam or chocolate sauce for dipping. Ensure the milk is warm to activate the yeast properly. Don’t skip the rising time for a light and fluffy dough. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. For a twist, add cinnamon or nutmeg.