Name: Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (around 110°F); 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; ½ cup evaporated milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ¼ teaspoon salt; Vegetable oil (for frying); Powdered sugar (for dusting); Milk Alternatives: Whole, almond, or coconut milk (replace evaporated milk); Gluten-Free Flour Blend (replace regular flour); Sugar alternatives: Stevia, Monk fruit, or erythritol; Spices or flavorings: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest (add to taste); Filling options: Fruit preserves or chocolate

There’s truly nothing quite like biting into a freshly fried Vanilla French Beignet—light as a cloud on the inside, golden and delicately crisp on the outside, and blanketed with a snowy shower of powdered sugar. The hint of real vanilla running through the dough elevates the classic beignet to new levels of comfort and decadence, making every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re creating a cozy brunch or treating friends to a leisurely afternoon coffee, Vanilla French Beignets are the ultimate way to bring café-worthy pastry into your own home.

Vanilla French Beignets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking magic happens when simple ingredients come together, and for Vanilla French Beignets, each element plays a crucial part. From the yeast that brings the dough to life to the real vanilla that makes these beignets so special, every item in this list earns its place.

Warm Water (1 cup, around 110°F): Helps activate the yeast and gets your dough rising for pillow-soft beignets.
Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons, 1 packet): Gives beignets their signature airy structure—always check it’s fresh for best results!
Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Just the right amount to feed the yeast and add a gentle sweetness to the dough.
Large Egg (1): Adds richness and helps the dough hold together—room temperature eggs blend best.
Evaporated Milk (½ cup): Contributes to the irresistible creamy texture—regular milk or a non-dairy option works too.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): The must-have for infusing delicate, fragrant flavor throughout your Vanilla French Beignets.
All-Purpose Flour (3 ½ cups, plus more for dusting): The foundation for structure—sift for the fluffiest dough.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Lends tenderness and that hint of luxurious flavor, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Sharpens all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness from being overwhelming.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Beignets love a neutral oil that allows the vanilla notes to shine.
Powdered Sugar (for dusting): The essential final flourish—don’t be shy with it!

How to Make Vanilla French Beignets

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Let’s kick things off by waking up the yeast! In a small bowl, mix together your warm water, active dry yeast, and just a pinch of sugar. Give it a gentle stir, then let it sit for about five minutes. You’re looking for it to become frothy and bubbly—that’s how you’ll know your yeast is alive and ready to do some heavy lifting for your Vanilla French Beignets.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the egg, evaporated milk, pure vanilla extract, and melted (but not hot!) unsalted butter. This combination forms a dreamy, aromatic liquid base and distributes that beautiful vanilla flavor throughout the dough.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring as you go. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook, but your hands work perfectly well—just combine until you have a sticky, cohesive dough.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticking to your fingers, sprinkle on a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time. This step is what gives Vanilla French Beignets their signature chewy-yet-tender bite.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Your dough should double in size—just imagine all the fluffy beignets you’re about to enjoy!

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a well-floured surface. Roll it out to about ¼ inch thick, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 2-inch squares (or get creative with fun shapes).

Step 7: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat it to 350°F (175°C)—a kitchen thermometer is helpful, but you can also test with a small piece of dough; it should sizzle and float to the top in seconds.

Step 8: Fry the Beignets

Gently slide a few pieces of dough into the hot oil, frying only a few at a time to prevent crowding. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until beautifully puffed and deep golden. Remove each batch with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 9: Dust with Powdered Sugar

While your Vanilla French Beignets are still warm, give them a lavish dusting of powdered sugar. There’s just something irresistible about the way the sugar melts into the beignets’ crevices—almost like edible snow!

How to Serve Vanilla French Beignets

Garnishes

These beignets are a blank canvas for your favorite toppings: stick with classic powdered sugar, or try a sprinkle of cinnamon, a light drizzle of honey, or even a spoonful of fruit preserves. For a special touch, add a grating of lemon zest or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Side Dishes

Serve Vanilla French Beignets alongside a rich café au lait, steamy hot chocolate, or even a refreshing berry salad. If you’re planning a brunch spread, pair them with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a platter of fresh fruit—beignets love a supporting cast!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready look, pile your Vanilla French Beignets high on a cake stand and dust with extra sugar just before serving. You can also skewer mini beignets on sticks for a fun twist, dip half into melted chocolate, or serve with little pots of jam and whipped cream for an interactive treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftover Vanilla French Beignets (trust me, it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Beignets are best fresh, but they’ll still taste delicious the next morning.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Vanilla French Beignets! Let them cool completely after frying, then layer between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw and reheat whenever a beignet craving strikes.

Reheating

To refresh beignets, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This will restore some of their crispness, and a fresh sprinkle of powdered sugar will make them taste just-baked. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them chewy rather than fluffy.

FAQs

Can I make Vanilla French Beignets in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight after the first rise. When you’re ready, let the dough return to room temperature, roll, cut, and fry as usual. Fresh beignets in a flash!

What if I don’t have evaporated milk?

No stress—the recipe still works beautifully with whole milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative. The texture might be a smidge softer but the beignets will still puff up perfectly and taste delicious.

How do I keep the oil at the right temperature?

A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here, but if you don’t have one, drop a scrap of dough into the oil; it should sizzle immediately and float to the top. Keep an eye on your batches so each Vanilla French Beignet fries evenly and doesn’t absorb too much oil.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a quality gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your blend is designed for yeasted doughs for the lightest, fluffiest texture.

What’s the best way to dust with powdered sugar?

For the most even, fairy-like dusting, use a fine mesh sieve or sifter. Hold it over the beignets and tap gently to create that perfect snowy layer—don’t hesitate to be generous!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Vanilla French Beignets at home, you’re in for a treat that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Each bite is pure joy, and the experience of whipping up these pillowy pastries is bound to bring a little magic to your kitchen. I hope you give this recipe a try and share these irresistible treats with your favorite people—and don’t forget an extra shower of powdered sugar!