Oh my goodness, friends! If you’re looking for something absolutely delightful to brighten your day (and your kitchen), then you’ve landed in the right place! Today, I’m sharing my cherished recipe for Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets. These fluffy little gems are not only irresistibly delicious but also carry that enchanting aroma of lavender, bringing a sense of calm with every bite. Picture this: a cozy Sunday morning, the air filled with the sweet scent of freshly fried beignets, and your loved ones gathered round. It’s a scene that warms the heart and makes for memories you’ll treasure forever.
I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was searching for something unique to serve at a brunch gathering. A friend had mentioned the idea of using lavender in pastries, and it piqued my curiosity. Since then, whipping up these beignets has become a much-anticipated event for me, whether it’s a special occasion or just because I want a little something sweet. They’re perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself (totally justified, right?).
What’s in Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets?
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make these little delights so special!
All-purpose flour: The backbone of any good pastry, providing structure and fluffiness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, helping to create that delightful golden crust.
Baking powder: Our trusted leavening agent that makes these beignets rise beautifully!
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors, making everything taste that much better.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the dough. Creamy goodness, people!
Large eggs: The ultimate binding agent, ensuring our beignets have a lovely texture.
Unsalted butter: A must for that rich flavor; melted for easy incorporation!
Culinary lavender buds: This is where the magic happens! They add a soothing floral note that shines through.
Vanilla bean paste: I adore using this for that dreamy vanilla flavor – if you’re feeling fancy, scrape the seeds from a whole vanilla bean!
Vegetable oil: Essential for frying up these beauties to golden perfection.
Is Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Good for You?
Now, we won’t kid ourselves – these beignets are a treat! But the good news is, they’re not just delicious; they also contain some ingredients that can be moderately healthy!
Culinary lavender: Not only does it smell divine, but it also has properties that may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Who knew indulgence could come with zen vibes, right?
On the flip side, beignets are fried, so moderation is key (even though you might want to devour all of them in one go). Plus, if you substitute some ingredients with healthier alternatives, like whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar, you can make them a bit better for your health. Just don’t tell anyone I said that; let them think they’re indulging!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds
– 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped)
– Vegetable oil, for frying
**For the Lavender Vanilla Glaze:**
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
– 1/2 teaspoon culinary lavender buds, finely ground (optional)
– Lavender sprigs, for garnish
**Serves:** Approximately 4-6 people, depending on how generous you are!
How to Make Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets?
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. In another bowl, mix the milk, eggs, melted butter, lavender buds, and vanilla bean paste. Whisk until everything’s buddy-buddy and well combined.
3. Gradually pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. We want it sticky but not overworked, so be gentle!
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Patience is key here!
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Safety first – we don’t want splashes!
6. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Then cut into rectangles (about 2×3 inches) – they don’t have to be perfect!
7. Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches. Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes each). Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla bean paste, and finely ground lavender until smooth. You can adjust thickness by adding more sugar or milk as needed.
9. Dip each warm beignet into the glaze, letting the excess drip off like a sweet little waterfall.
10. Place them on a lovely serving platter and garnish with lavender sprigs – they deserve it!
11. Serve warm, and enjoy every scrumptious bite of your Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets!
Sweet Tips for a Perfect Batch
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch things up by adding lemon zest to the glaze for a citrusy twist! Also, these beignets are delightful when served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They’re so charming, you might just want to make them part of your regular brunch rotation!
So there you have it! I can’t wait for you to try these delightful Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets. They’re sure to bring smiles and a touch of sweetness to your day! Let me know how your beignets turn out and if you have any fun twists of your own – I love hearing from you! Happy baking! 🌼✨
