Vanilla French Beignets (Print-Friendly Recipe)

Light and airy French beignets flavored with vanilla and dusted with powdered sugar.

# Ingredients List:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 1/4 ounce active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
06 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

→ For Frying and Finishing

09 - Vegetable oil, for frying
10 - Powdered sugar, for dusting

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
02 - Whisk in the remaining granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture until fully incorporated.
03 - Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm environment for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in volume.
05 - Punch down the dough, then roll it out on a floured surface to approximately 0.6 cm thickness. Cut into squares or rectangles measuring 5 to 7.5 cm.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
07 - Fry the dough pieces in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
08 - Dust the beignets generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.

# Extra Information:

01 - For best results, maintain the milk temperature between 105-115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.