Heavenly Vanilla French Beignets

$To make vanilla French beignets, you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 large eggs - 3/4 cup whole milk - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) - Powdered sugar for dusting Using high-quality ingredients makes a huge difference. Fresh flour gives a better texture. Look for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation. It enhances the flavor. Choose whole milk for creaminess, as it helps the beignets taste rich and soft. When frying, use fresh oil. Old oil can change the taste. You can swap some ingredients if needed. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. You can replace whole milk with almond or oat milk. If you want less sugar, use coconut sugar. You can also try different extracts, like almond or hazelnut, for a twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking a large bowl. In it, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Make sure everything blends well. This step sets the base for your beignets. The flour gives structure, while the sugar adds sweetness. The baking powder helps them puff up, and cinnamon adds warmth. In another bowl, beat the eggs until mixed. Then, add the whole milk, pure vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix this until fully combined. This mixture brings moisture and flavor to your beignets. The vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma that makes them special. Now, heat the oil in a deep frying pot or large saucepan. Aim for a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can test this by dropping a bit of batter into the oil. It should bubble and rise. Carefully drop small dollops of batter, about 2 tablespoons each, into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; this helps them cook evenly. Fry each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil. Dust them with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy the light and fluffy treat! Frying beignets needs the right oil temperature. The ideal heat is 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, they burn quickly. If it’s too cool, they absorb too much oil. Test by dropping a bit of batter into the oil. If it bubbles and floats, you're good! Use a thermometer to be precise. One mistake is overmixing the batter. It’s okay to have lumps! Overmixing makes them tough instead of light. Another common error is overcrowding the pan. Fry only a few at a time. This helps them cook evenly and stay fluffy. Lastly, let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid melting. To make your beignets extra light and fluffy, use fresh baking powder. This ensures they rise well while frying. Also, try adding a bit more vanilla extract for a richer flavor. Don’t skip the melted butter; it adds moisture and taste! Lastly, serve them warm for the best experience. Enjoy each bite! Pro Tips Use a Candy Thermometer: To ensure your oil is at the perfect frying temperature, use a candy thermometer. This will help you achieve that golden brown color without undercooking or burning your beignets. Rest the Dough: For an even fluffier texture, let the batter rest for about 10 minutes before frying. This allows the baking powder to activate fully, resulting in lighter beignets. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to infuse your beignets with different flavors by adding citrus zest or flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut to the batter for a unique twist. Keep Them Warm: If you’re frying in batches, keep the cooked beignets warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish frying the rest. This ensures they are all served warm and delicious. {{image_2}} You can add fun flavors to your beignets. Try mixing in chocolate or fruit. For chocolate, add mini chocolate chips to the batter. For fruit, mash ripe bananas or berries. This will change the taste and make them special. You can also use flavored extracts, like almond or orange, instead of vanilla. If you want a healthier option, try baking your beignets. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown. You won’t get the same crispy texture, but they will still be tasty. Serve your beignets warm for the best experience. Place them in a basket lined with parchment paper. Dust with powdered sugar. You can add a small dish of chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping. Fresh fruit or whipped cream also makes a nice touch. Enjoy them as a snack or dessert! Store leftover beignets in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They stay good for about two days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration is an option. Just know they may lose some of their lightness. To reheat, place beignets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5 to 7 minutes. This makes them warm and slightly crispy again. You can also microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. However, they may become soft, so the oven is best. You can freeze beignets for up to a month. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best results. French beignets differ from donuts in their texture and shape. Beignets are light and airy. They use a simple batter that puffs up when fried. Donuts often have a richer dough and may include yeast. Beignets are usually square or rectangular. Donuts come in many shapes, often with holes in the center. The main difference lies in how they feel. Beignets give a soft, pillowy bite, while donuts can be denser. Yes, you can make beignets in advance. However, they are best fresh. If you want to prep ahead, mix the dry and wet ingredients separately. Store them in the fridge. When you are ready to fry, combine them and cook. You could also fry them, cool, and freeze. Just reheat in the oven when ready to serve. This keeps them tasty, but fresh is always better. For frying beignets, use vegetable or canola oil. Both have a high smoke point, which is great for frying. They also have a neutral flavor, letting the vanilla shine through. Avoid oils like olive oil, as they can burn easily. Make sure to heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) for the best results. This helps the beignets cook evenly and become golden brown. You learned the key ingredients for making perfect beignets. Quality matters, and substitutions can save the day. I walked you through mixing, preparing, and frying them just right. Remember to fry at the right temperature and avoid common mistakes for the best results. You can try fun flavors and cooking methods too. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh, while reheating and freezing tips help you enjoy them later. Keep these tips handy, and you’ll make delicious beignets every time. Enjoy sharing them with family and friends!$

Heavenly Vanilla French Beignets

Deliciously fluffy and sweet beignets, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine French

Servings 10

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
0.25 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
0.75 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
as needed oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
as needed powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well blended.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until fully combined.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Heat oil in a deep frying pot or large saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small bit of the batter into it; it should bubble and rise to the surface.
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, carefully drop small dollops of batter (about 2 tablespoons each) into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Allow the beignets to cool slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with powdered sugar and dipping sauces.

Keyword beignets, dessert, fried dough