Name: Vanilla French Beignets Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; Vegetable oil, for frying; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 3 reviews

I am so excited to share my absolute favorite treat with you: this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe! These fluffy, pillowy delights are infused with fragrant vanilla that elevates the classic French beignet to a whole new level of indulgence. Lightly fried to golden perfection and generously dusted with powdered sugar, these beignets are pure magic in every bite. I love how approachable this recipe is, allowing you to create an authentic café-style experience right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked just like I was!

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

What sets this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe apart for me is the way the vanilla infuses every bite with a delicate sweetness and warmth that perfectly complements the soft, airy texture of the dough. You get that classic fried dough sensation without it feeling heavy or greasy. The balance of light crunch on the outside, with a moist, tender inside, is truly something special. I love how the powdered sugar melts slightly as it hits the warm beignets, creating that irresistible, sweet finish that beckons you to eat just one more.

Aside from tasting incredible, I also adore how straightforward this recipe is. The ingredients are simple and familiar, and the process is very doable even if you haven’t made fried treats before. There is something so satisfying about watching the dough rise and then frying up those golden pillows of heaven. I find these Vanilla French Beignets Recipe perfect for a weekend brunch, a fun dessert for gatherings, or even a cozy night in with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that feels a little luxurious but is surprisingly easy to pull off.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a white pot with a black outer side and a long wooden handle, sitting on a white marbled surface. Inside the pot, there is a smooth, creamy, light yellow mixture that has a thick texture and swirls on the surface. A wooden spoon with a green and white handle is partially inside the pot, stirring the mixture. The photo focuses on the creamy food and the pot, with simple, soft lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Before you start, let me tell you how beautifully simple the ingredients list is. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and color — from the warm milk activating the yeast, to the pure vanilla extract that fills the dough with that signature aroma.

All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and softness.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and helps with yeast activation.
Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): Essential for the light, fluffy rise.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Warm milk (1 cup): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for tenderness.
Unsalted butter, melted (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and a subtle buttery flavor.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): The star ingredient, infusing warming vanilla notes.
Vegetable oil, for frying: Neutral oil for a crisp golden exterior.
Powdered sugar, for dusting: The perfect sweet finishing touch.

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the yeast and sugar throughout the flour. This ensures a well-balanced rise and sweetness.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of warm milk (around 110°F, warm to the touch but not hot), 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract. This warm mixture will activate the yeast without killing it and infuse the dough with that lovely vanilla flavor.

Step 3: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon. Keep mixing until a soft dough starts to form and all ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until you achieve a smooth, elastic dough. If it feels sticky, sprinkle a touch more flour as you go — but be careful not to add too much or the beignets will turn out dense.

Step 5: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the dough with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and set it in a warm, draft-free spot. Let it rise for about 1 ½ hours or until it doubles in size. I like to place mine in a turned-off oven with a bowl of warm water to create the perfect rising environment.

Step 6: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2×2 inch squares. Be sure to handle the dough with care so it stays airy.

Step 7: In a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot, pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 360°F. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately — this is key to getting that perfect golden color without greasy beignets.

Step 8: Fry the beignets in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Cook each piece for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until puffed up and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels immediately.

Step 9: While the beignets are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the best experience, or allow to cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain crispness if serving later.

Servings and Timing

This Vanilla French Beignets Recipe yields approximately 12 beignets, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The prep time, including kneading and mixing, takes about 30 minutes, but the dough needs to rest and rise for about 1 ½ hours to develop that light texture. Frying takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on your batch size. Altogether, the total time from start to finish is around 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the process and anticipation of these delightful treats.

How to Serve This Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of six golden-brown square pastries, each dusted thickly with white powdered sugar, creating a soft, snowy texture on top and around the plate. The pastries look fluffy and light with uneven crisp edges, arranged in a small pile where some sit flat and others slightly tilted on top. Behind the plate, there is a white bowl filled with more powdered sugar, contrasting with the dark surface beneath. The background and surface have a white marbled texture that adds a clean, bright feel to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these Vanilla French Beignets Recipe beauties, I love to present them fresh and warm with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar on top—nothing beats that classic dusting for both flavor and visual appeal. They pair wonderfully with a light drizzle of honey, fresh berries, or a side of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. For a brunch spread, adding some fresh fruit and a light salad creates a balanced plate.

For beverages, a rich, dark coffee or espresso complements the sweet and fluffy beignets perfectly. If you prefer non-coffee options, a fragrant chai tea or hot chocolate works beautifully too. On spring or summer occasions, pairing them with a sparkling rosé or even a vanilla-infused cocktail adds a touch of festive charm.

I find these treats ideal for many occasions—from casual weekend breakfasts to celebratory gatherings or holiday brunches. They are best served hot or warm to keep their crisp exterior intact, but you can also let them cool slightly on a rack if serving a little later. I recommend plating them in piles or stacks for a rustic, cozy feel, and keeping portion sizes to 2 or 3 pieces per person to enjoy that perfect balance between sweet treat and satisfaction.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe by swapping ingredients to suit tastes or dietary needs. For instance, you can try substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, though you might need a little extra moisture or resting time. For a dairy-free version, replace the milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter—this still yields a lovely texture and delicious flavor.

If you want to take the flavor profile in a new direction, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice twist. Another fun option is mixing fresh lemon or orange zest into the dough to brighten up the flavor while keeping that classic vanilla base. Beyond frying, some folks have successfully baked their beignets at a high temperature for slightly healthier treats, but frying brings out the quintessential golden crispiness that I adore most.

For those watching gluten, using a gluten-free all-purpose blend can work, but you’ll want to make sure your yeast and other ingredients are gluten-free certified, and kneading and rising times might change slightly. Overall, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable to personal preferences while still delivering that dreamy beignet experience.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Vanilla French Beignets Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Placing a paper towel inside the container helps absorb any excess moisture to keep the beignets from getting soggy. Avoid refrigerating them as this can dry them out and compromise the texture.

Freezing

Freezing these beignets is possible if you want to save them for later. To freeze, let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover or thawed Vanilla French Beignets Recipe is in an oven preheated to 300°F for 5 to 8 minutes. This method helps restore that lovely crispness on the outside while warming the soft inside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the beignets chewy or soggy. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake and become dry. A quick dusting of powdered sugar after reheating revives the fresh, sweet finish.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the point of the first rise, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Just take it out about an hour before you plan to shape and fry to let it come to room temperature and complete the rising process for fluffier beignets.

What oil is best for frying these beignets?

I recommend using a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils won’t impart any strong flavors and handle the high frying temperature needed to get that perfect golden crust without burning.

My beignets turned out greasy — what did I do wrong?

This usually happens if the oil temperature is too low. The dough absorbs more oil if it’s not hot enough before frying, resulting in greasy beignets. Make sure to use a thermometer and keep the oil steady at around 360°F for best results.

Can I add fillings or toppings to the beignets?

While this recipe focuses on classic beignets, you can absolutely experiment by injecting fillings like fruit jams, chocolate, or cream after frying. Just be gentle when cutting and frying to avoid the dough separating. As for toppings, powdered sugar is traditional but feel free to try cinnamon sugar or a light glaze for variation.

Are these beignets similar to doughnuts?

They do share similarities as both are fried dough, but beignets are typically lighter, thinner, and less sweet than doughnuts. Their unique square shape and generous dusting of powdered sugar make them a charming French café classic distinct from the usual doughnut experience.

Conclusion

I hope you are as excited as I am to try this Vanilla French Beignets Recipe. It’s truly one of those special dishes that brings joy and a little magic to any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself to a comforting sweet snack, I promise these beignets will become a beloved part of your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, set aside some time, and let the warm vanilla scent fill your kitchen—it’s pure happiness in every bite!