Description
Achieve café-quality vanilla beignets! Our recipe delivers fluffy, sweet pillows using a quick 5-minute knead and a crucial 90-minute proof. Instructions & full nutritional analysis included.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups
- Active Dry Yeast: 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- Warm Water (105-115°F): 1/2 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Unsalted Butter (melted): 2 tablespoons
- Large Egg: 1
- Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Neutral Frying Oil (e.g., canola): 4 cups
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar; let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and alcohol-free vanilla extract to the yeast mixture, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Step 2: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Step 3: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into approximately 2-inch squares or rectangles.
- Step 4: Pour the neutral frying oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and heat to 360°F (182°C). Carefully drop 4 to 5 dough squares into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 60-90 seconds per side until they are puffed and deep golden brown.
- Step 5: Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked beignets and transfer them immediately to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While the beignets are still warm, transfer them to a bowl or plate and generously dust them with confectioners' sugar. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- If preparing ahead, the punched-down dough can be tightly wrapped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; allow it to warm slightly before rolling and frying.
- Never microwave leftover beignets; instead, refresh them quickly in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore a light, crisp exterior.
- For a truly authentic experience, serve these vanilla beignets alongside a strong chicory café au lait or a simple raspberry jam for dipping.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the frying oil exactly between 355°F and 365°F, which is the perfect temperature to ensure they puff dramatically without becoming greasy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 medium beignets (dusted with powdered sugar)
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Protein: 18g