why make this recipe

This recipe makes soft, warm beignets fast. You use simple ingredients you likely have at home. The batter is quick to mix and the frying time is short. These beignets taste great with powdered sugar and a cup of coffee.

introduction

Easiest Vanilla French Beignets are light fried dough with a touch of vanilla. They cook in minutes and please kids and adults. If you like simple dishes you can also try a savory option like my French onion chicken orzo casserole for a full meal.

how to make Easiest Vanilla French Beignets

Follow the simple steps below. Work in small batches when frying. Keep the oil at the right temperature so beignets brown but cook inside.

Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
Whisk wet ingredients in another bowl.
Stir wet into dry until just mixed; do not overmix.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Drop spoonfuls of batter into oil and fry until golden.
Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar.

Be careful while frying and use a slotted spoon to turn each beignet.

Ingredients :

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Vegetable oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions :

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove beignets and drain on paper towels.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your warm, homemade beignets!

how to serve Easiest Vanilla French Beignets

Serve warm and dust with a lot of powdered sugar. They go well with hot coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. For a fuller brunch, serve with a savory dish like a simple onion chicken orzo casserole.

how to store Easiest Vanilla French Beignets

Cool beignets fully before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes to refresh. Do not store with powdered sugar on—add sugar right before serving.

tips to make Easiest Vanilla French Beignets

Do not overmix the batter. Lumpy batter gives lighter beignets.
Keep oil at 350°F (175°C). Too hot and they burn; too cool and they soak oil.
Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady.
Use a slotted spoon to turn and remove beignets safely.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for best look and taste.

variation (if any)

Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice note.
Fill beignets with jam or pastry cream after frying using a piping bag.
Roll in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for a different finish.

FAQs

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: You can try baking, but they will not be the same. Frying gives the light, crisp outside and soft inside.

Q: How do I know the oil is the right temperature?
A: Use a kitchen thermometer. Aim for 350°F (175°C). If you do not have a thermometer, drop a small bit of batter; it should sizzle and rise slowly.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead?
A: You can mix the batter and keep it in the fridge for a few hours, but bring it to room temperature before frying.

Q: What oil is best for frying?
A: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil.

Q: How do I keep beignets warm before serving many guests?
A: Keep them on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F / 95°C) for a short time, but do not leave too long or they will dry.

Conclusion

For a classic New Orleans take on fried dough, see this detailed New Orleans Style Beignets Recipe – Preppy Kitchen that shows a longer, yeasted version. For another French-style beignet idea and filling options, check French Beignets (boules de Berlin) – Mon Petit Four®.