Bring the charm of Paris to your kitchen with these Vanilla French Beignets—light, airy, and dusted with powdered sugar! This easy beignet recipe delivers golden, pillowy pastries infused with warm vanilla flavor. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or brunch, these French beignets are a must-try if you love classic French dessert recipes. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, serve at gatherings, or customize them with your favorite toppings. Simple to make, yet impressive and delicious—these beignets are sweet perfection in every bite!

Why You’ll Love These Vanilla French Beignets

Fluffy on the Inside, Crispy on the Outside: Each bite delivers the ultimate texture contrast—soft and airy inside, golden and crisp outside.
Bursting with Vanilla Flavor: The vanilla extract enhances the dough’s natural sweetness, making every beignet taste like a cloud of delicious indulgence.
A Versatile Dessert Recipe: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an after-dinner treat, Vanilla French Beignets shine in any setting.
Easy to Customize: Add toppings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate drizzle, or fresh berries for endless variations.
Halal-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients, this dessert is pork- and alcohol-free, so it’s suitable for all diets.

Ingredients to Make Vanilla French Beignets

For the Beignet Dough:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 tsp salt
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Vanilla Sugar Coating:

1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

Chocolate sauce
Fresh berries
Whipped cream

How to Make Vanilla French Beignets

1: Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla, and butter. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth.
First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2: Shape the Beignets

Roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
Cut into 2-3 inch squares or triangles for a classic look.

3: Fry the Beignets

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the beignets in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
Drain on paper towels.

4: Coat & Serve

Mix powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl.
While still warm, roll the beignets in the sugar mixture.
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings or dips.

How to Serve Vanilla French Beignets

Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with coffee, tea, or fresh juice.

As a Dessert Recipe: Serve warm with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream.

With a Dipping Sauce: Try chocolate, raspberry coulis, or spiced caramel.

For Special Occasions: These beignets are a festive favorite during holidays, birthdays, and Eid celebrations.

Tips for the Perfect Beignets

Make Ahead: Refrigerate the dough after rising for up to 24 hours.
Freeze: Freeze cut dough before frying for up to 1 month.
Add Spice: Mix cinnamon or nutmeg into the powdered sugar for extra flavor.

Variations on the Classic Vanilla French Beignet

Chocolate Beignets: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the flour mix.
Cinnamon Sugar Beignets: Skip vanilla in the sugar and add 1 tsp cinnamon instead.
Jam-Filled: Add a spoonful of jam inside the dough before frying.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast? Yes. Mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing.
Why are my beignets greasy? Your oil may be too cool. Keep it at a steady 350°F.
Can I make these without a mixer? Absolutely. Kneading by hand works just as well.
Can I use a butter substitute? Yes, try margarine or oil for a dairy-free version.

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Conclusion

Vanilla French Beignets are a timeless dessert recipe that never fails to impress. With their pillowy texture and sweet vanilla aroma, they’re perfect for any moment worth celebrating. Serve them fresh, get creative with toppings, and enjoy a taste of France at home with this simple yet elegant treat.