Created on November 10th, 2025 at 11:45 am
A delightful French pastry
….with a light, fluffy texture
French beignets, with their golden exterior and soft, pillowy interior, are undeniably irresistible. These little pastries hail from the heart of France, traditionally enjoyed at breakfast or as a sweet snack throughout the day. Each bite delivers a subtle sweetness, often enhanced by a whisper of vanilla that lingers on the palate. The beignets are dusted with powdered sugar, their warm, inviting aroma filling the kitchen as they fry to a perfectly golden hue.
Making these delicate treats at home brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia. They are perfect for sharing with family or savoring during quiet moments with a cup of coffee. Beyond their ethereal lightness, the beignets are incredibly straightforward to prepare, making them accessible for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beignet recipe strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and happiness. The dough comes together quickly, and the frying process transforms it into lush, airy bites. The rich flavor of vanilla permeates the pastry, making it a delightful treat that pleases everyone. When still warm, they offer a satisfying contrast of textures: the soft interior melts in your mouth, while the crunch of the outer layer creates a delightful experience.
These beignets can also be wrapped and stored for the next day. Surprisingly, they remain delightful even after a night in the kitchen. Simply reheat them gently to restore their loveliness, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon indulgence.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 beignets
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: cinnamon (for added flavor)
Kitchen Tools
To make these beignets, you’ll need a few essential tools that will keep preparation straightforward. The right tools help streamline the process, allowing you to focus on enjoying the fragrant delights as they cook.
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Round cookie cutter or glass
- Slotted spoon
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended. The flour should appear even and light, setting a solid foundation for your dough.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and add the milk along with the vanilla extract. Blend these ingredients until they are fully combined, creating a rich and inviting mixture.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. Let it rest for about 10 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the moisture fully.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough. Place the cut beignets on a floured tray, allowing some space between them.
- In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of dough dropped into it sizzles. Carefully drop several beignets into the hot oil, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
- When cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beignets onto a cooling rack set over paper towels. This helps absorb excess oil while they cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving them warm.
Pro Tips
- Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy beignets. Use a thermometer if you have one.
- Experiment by adding a bit of cinnamon to the sugar before dusting for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Fry beignets in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- For a unique twist, consider filling some with light whipped cream or fruit preserves after frying.
- Enjoy with a simple cup of coffee or a sweet hot chocolate for the perfect pairing.
French Comfort, Made Simple
These Vanilla French Beignets embody the sweet simplicity of French pastries. The combination of a soft and airy texture with the alluring aroma of vanilla creates an environment of comfort in your kitchen. Baking and frying them is a joy that translates into warm bites perfect for any gathering. This dish proves that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Vanilla French Beignets
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: cinnamon (for added flavor)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and add the milk along with the vanilla extract. Blend until fully combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the dough forms. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter.
- Place the cut beignets on a floured tray, allowing some space between them.
Cooking
- In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of dough dropped into it sizzles.
- Carefully drop several beignets into the hot oil, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beignets onto a cooling rack set over paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving them warm.
Notes
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