Vanilla French Beignets [120 Minutes] (2024)

In the charming streets of Paris, where the scent of freshly baked pastries filled the air, there lived a talented pastry chef named Amélie. Known for her ability to transform simple ingredients into works of art, Amélie was on a quest to create a pastry that would capture the hearts of Parisians and transport them to a realm of pure delight. Thus, her journey to perfecting the vanilla French beignets began.

On a crisp morning, as the first rays of sunlight bathed Amélie’s cozy bakery, she carefully measured out flour, sugar, and yeast. Her hands moved with grace, as if guided by the whispers of a culinary muse. In a large bowl, she combined these ingredients, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Amélie’s secret ingredient was pure vanilla extract, the essence that would infuse her beignets with a heavenly aroma and a subtle sweetness. With a flick of her wrist, she added a generous splash, watching as the liquid swirled through the mixture, promising to elevate the humble dough to new heights.

The dough rested and rose, cocooned in warmth and patience. As the hours passed, anticipation filled the air. Amélie delicately rolled out the dough, her hands guiding it to the perfect thickness. With a round cutter, she carefully carved out circles of dough, each one a blank canvas ready to be transformed.

A pot of fragrant oil shimmered on the stovetop, eagerly awaiting the doughy masterpieces. Amélie gently lowered the beignets into the hot oil, their surfaces sizzling with delight. The beignets danced and floated, turning golden and puffing up with pride as they absorbed the warmth and flavor of the oil.

Once perfectly golden and impossibly light, the beignets were lifted from the oil and nestled onto a bed of soft parchment. Amélie’s heart swelled with joy as she dusted them with powdered sugar, creating a blanket of sweetness that delicately adorned each beignet.

As the sun reached its zenith, the aroma of vanilla and warm dough filled the bakery. Parisians, their noses leading the way, found themselves drawn to the irresistible scent. They entered the bakery with curious eyes and eager palates, ready to experience the magic that Amélie had crafted.

With each bite, the vanilla French beignets revealed their secrets. The delicate crust yielded to a pillowy-soft interior, infused with the essence of pure vanilla. The beignets were a symphony of textures—a crisp exterior giving way to a tender and airy center. Parisians savored the flavors, their taste buds swirling with delight as they indulged in these delicate pastries.

Yield: 12 servings

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

See Also

Instant Pot Short Ribs in Red Wine Recipe by The Redhead Baker

Total Time: 2 hours

Experience the magic of Vanilla French Beignets, a delectable twist on the classic fried dough.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until a soft dough forms, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and roll it out to a ½-inch thickness on a floured surface.
7. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Cover the beignets with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
9. In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
10. Carefully place a few beignets at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, flipping them once.
11. Remove the beignets from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
12. Dust the warm beignets generously with powdered sugar.
13. Serve the vanilla French beignets immediately and enjoy the whispers of delight with each bite.

Notes

Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) to achieve golden and evenly cooked beignets.

Experiment with different sizes and shapes for your beignets, such as squares or twists, for a playful presentation.

For an extra touch of elegance, serve the beignets with a side of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.

Recommended Products

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  Organic Powdered Sugar

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  Pure Vanilla Extract

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 184Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 99mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 1gSugar: 15gProtein: 4g