Description
These Baked Vanilla French Beignets are light and fluffy, capturing the essence of Parisian mornings without the guilt of frying. Dusted with a sweet vanilla glaze, they are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Beignets:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or additional melted butter for greasing
- For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for achieving the perfect rise and golden-brown crust on your beignets.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until evenly combined. This step is important for ensuring that the leavening agents are well distributed throughout the flour.
- In a separate bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until smooth and well blended. Make sure the butter isn't too hot to avoid cooking the egg!
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense beignets. You want to see some lumps remaining in the batter.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or additional melted butter. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous tablespoons of batter onto the sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. They will spread slightly as they bake.
- Bake the beignets in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are puffed up and lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking; they should spring back when gently pressed in the center.
- While the beignets are baking, prepare the vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency — you want it pourable but not too runny.
- Once the beignets are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the warm beignets with the vanilla glaze while they're still warm, allowing it to soak in slightly for maximum flavor.
- Serve your beignets warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of fluffy texture and sweet vanilla glaze!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Mix just until combined to avoid tough beignets. Use a heavy-duty, non-stick pan for even baking.