Vanilla French Beignets are delightful, pillowy pastries that are deep-fried to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a special snack!

Ingredients

For the Beignet Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Dusting:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Timing

Making Vanilla French Beignets takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 5-7 minutes for frying.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. Flour Surface: Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface.
2. Roll Out: Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or rectangles, about 2-3 inches in size.

Step 3: Fry the Beignets

1. Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry Beignets: Carefully drop a few pieces of dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
3. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Dust and Serve

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: While still warm, generously dust the beignets with powdered sugar.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Vanilla French Beignets!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Vanilla French Beignets (per beignet, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	2g
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
• Fillings: Consider filling the beignets with chocolate, fruit preserves, or pastry cream before frying for a delicious surprise.
• Glaze Option: For a sweeter touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the beignets after dusting.

Conclusion

Vanilla French Beignets are a delightful treat that brings a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen. These fluffy pastries are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful recipe!