My grandmother used to say, “The best way to sweeten life is with a little fried dough and a lot of love.” That’s exactly what these Vanilla French Beignets are—pillowy, golden bites of joy that take you straight to a Parisian café. We make them every Eid morning, and they vanish faster than we can fry them! Give this recipe a try and bring some warmth and sweetness to your table.
For the Dough:
3½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 tsp salt
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Coating:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
Chocolate sauce, fresh berries, or whipped cream
Activate Yeast: Warm milk (not hot), add yeast + pinch of sugar. Let it froth (5–10 mins).
Mix Dough: Combine flour, sugar, salt. Add yeast mix, eggs, vanilla, butter. Mix into soft dough.
Knead: On a floured surface, knead until smooth (5–8 mins).
Rise: Place in oiled bowl, cover, let rise 1 hour until doubled.
Shape: Roll out to ½ inch, cut into 2–3 inch squares or triangles.
Fry: Heat oil (350°F). Fry in batches 2–3 mins per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Coat: Mix powdered sugar + vanilla, toss warm beignets generously.
Make the dough ahead and refrigerate after rising.
Freeze raw cut dough for up to 1 month.
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar for a cozy twist.
Serve warm with tea or coffee for the ultimate comfort.