Alright, fellow food lovers, gather ’round! I’ve got a recipe that will make your taste buds sing and your kitchen smell absolutely divine! Get ready to experience the joy of warm, pillowy goodness with my Simple Vanilla Beignets!
I stumbled upon this recipe during one of my late-night kitchen experiments. I was craving something sweet and comforting, and I had a bottle of vanilla extract staring me right in the face. It was a happy accident, really, but the results were so amazing I knew I had to share it. What started as an easy beignet recipe has become a staple in my house, turning ordinary mornings into mini-celebrations.
The best part about these Simple Vanilla Beignets is how they transform any meal into something special. It’s the kind of comfort food that gives you a warm hug from the inside out. It’s truly a labor of love that everyone will enjoy!
So, are you ready to dive into a flavor adventure with me? Let’s make some Simple Vanilla Beignets that will have everyone doing a happy dance! I’m so excited to share this easy beignet recipe with you! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Simple Vanilla Beignets ingredient list is all about creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. You can grab these from your normal shopping trip!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (the star of our Simple Vanilla Beignets!)
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
No worries if you don’t have unsalted butter. I use salted butter all the time in my Simple Vanilla Beignets, just reduce the salt by 1/4 teaspoon!
This easy beignet recipe gets its amazing taste from the vanilla extract, so don’t skimp on it! I love adding an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract to my Simple Vanilla Beignets for that extra depth of flavor.
For a shortcut, you can melt the butter in the microwave in 30 second intervals. Be sure to stop it before it boils!
Store the flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for maximum freshness.
Here’s my Simple Vanilla Beignets secret that takes it from good to incredible: using high-quality vanilla extract. It makes a world of difference!
If you want that extra flavor boost, add a pinch of nutmeg to the vanilla beignet dough! It adds a lovely warmth that complements the vanilla perfectly.
Let’s Make Some!
This is where the delicious magic starts happening! Grab your apron and let’s dive into making these amazing Simple Vanilla Beignets. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for cheesy spinach parmesan twists recipe!
- In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic! This is a vanilla beignet dough base that is sure to please!
- Add salt, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine. This Simple Vanilla Beignets recipe is already smelling amazing!
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. This is my favorite part of making Simple Vanilla Beignets – watch the magic happen!
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Don’t worry if your Simple Vanilla Beignets dough seems a little sticky at first; just keep kneading!
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is an essential step in this easy beignet recipe! In my kitchen, this Simple Vanilla Beignets usually takes about 1 hour to rise properly, but it depends on the temperature.
- Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. While your Simple Vanilla Beignets dough is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- Cut the dough into 2-inch squares using a pizza cutter or knife. Now you’re ready to have your very own Simple Vanilla Beignets!
- Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few Simple Vanilla Beignets into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Remove the Simple Vanilla Beignets from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Your Simple Vanilla Beignets should smell absolutely incredible right now!
- While still warm, dust the Simple Vanilla Beignets generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately and enjoy! This Simple Vanilla Beignets recipe makes them so light and airy!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Simple Vanilla Beignets hits the table, especially with a side of hot chocolate! If you want to take this classic to a new level, check out this The Best Beignets (New Orleans-Style) – Butter Be Ready recipe.
I love to enjoy these Simple Vanilla Beignets with a cup of strong coffee for breakfast or as a sweet treat after dinner. The vanilla flavor pairs perfectly with the bitterness of the coffee. A nice New Orleans-Style Beignets Recipe is perfect with coffee!
For a truly indulgent experience, serve these Simple Vanilla Beignets with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The combination of warm beignets and cold ice cream is simply divine!
This Simple Vanilla Beignets is perfect for those weekend brunches that need to be special! Serve them on a platter with a variety of toppings, such as fresh berries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
If you have any leftover Simple Vanilla Beignets (which is unlikely!), you can use them to make a delicious bread pudding. Just cube the beignets, soak them in a custard mixture, and bake until golden brown. Talk about a bold flavor pairing!
For a fusion variation, try dipping these Simple Vanilla Beignets in a spicy chocolate sauce. The contrast of sweet and spicy is surprisingly addictive!
I’ve even served these at game nights, and they’re always a hit! Everyone loves the warm, comforting flavor and the fun of dusting them with powdered sugar. I love to pair this with Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash!
For presentation ideas, try arranging the Simple Vanilla Beignets on a tiered serving stand for an elegant touch. You can also sprinkle them with edible glitter for a festive look.
FAQs:
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Simple Vanilla Beignets. I want to make sure you feel confident and ready to tackle this recipe!
- Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Simple Vanilla Beignets? Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even if you’re new to baking.
- What if I mess up my Simple Vanilla Beignets? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Don’t worry! Even if they’re not perfectly shaped, they’ll still be delicious. That’s the beauty of comfort food!
- How can I prep this Simple Vanilla Beignets for busy weeknights? You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.
- Can I bake these Simple Vanilla Beignets instead of frying? While frying is traditional, you can try baking them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. However, they won’t be as light and airy as the fried version.
- What if I don’t have active dry yeast? You can use instant yeast instead. Just add it directly to the flour without proofing it in the milk first.
- Can I add other flavors to the dough? Of course! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor. Or, for a citrusy twist, add some lemon or orange zest. This is how you create your very own version of Simple Vanilla Beignets!
- How do I store leftover Simple Vanilla Beignets? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll still be good for a day or two.
I’ve experimented with different types of flour, and all-purpose works best for that classic Simple Vanilla Beignets texture. Trust me, I’ve learned from my fair share of kitchen adventures!
My family loves these Simple Vanilla Beignets so much that they often request them for special occasions. The taste testing results are always overwhelmingly positive!
CONCLUSION:
These Simple Vanilla Beignets bring me so much joy because they’re a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest. It’s a flavor adventure for all! This Simple Vanilla Beignets reminds me of another family favorite, Restaurant Style Chicken Fried Rice!
My Simple Vanilla Beignets Flavor Secrets:
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy beignets.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar while they’re still warm so it melts slightly into the beignets.
Here are a few delicious Simple Vanilla Beignets variations I’ve tested:
- Chocolate Vanilla Beignets: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Cinnamon Vanilla Beignets: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top instead of powdered sugar.
- Lemon Vanilla Beignets: Add lemon zest to the dough and top with a lemon glaze.
I usually make the classic Simple Vanilla Beignets for breakfast, the chocolate version for dessert, and the lemon version for brunch.
Fellow food lovers, I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative with this recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!
I’m so excited for you to try this easy beignet recipe! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. Get ready for a flavor adventure that will leave you wanting more! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out Restaurant Style Chicken Fried Rice.I hope you love these delicious Simple Vanilla Beignets! Also, be sure to check out New Orleans-Style Beignets – Baker by Nature for further inspiration!
Simple Vanilla Beignets
These simple vanilla beignets are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Enjoy them fresh and warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a classic New Orleans treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: About 24 beignets
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Gently punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 2-3 inch squares.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop a few beignets at a time into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the beignets with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
Serve these beignets with a side of chocolate sauce or a café au lait for a truly authentic New Orleans experience.