Vanilla French Beignets

Steam curls up from the valve and your stomach starts talking back quick-like. You remember that eager hiss from your pressure cooker telling you good stuff's goin on inside. It's all about that perfect tender pull you want from a sweet beignet dough, light and pillowy yet rich enough to sink your teeth into.

You catch the scent floating up and can't help but get your powdered sugar ready. This recipe is all about that broth depth of flavor from a good rise and gentle cooking. Unlike frying in a pot alone, using your cooker makes the whole thing sorta effortless and keeps those beignets soft inside while golden outside.

Steam's still dancein as you wait for the natural release to finish. It's kinda the slow release of your prize, those round doughy delights called boules de Berlin. Get ready cause these get devoured real fast once they're dusted and hot.

Why This Recipe Works Every Single Time

• Your yeast gets activated in warmed milk at just right 105°F, so dough rises nice and steady.
• Softened butter and eggs mixed well with sugar plus vanilla bring out rich tender bites.
• Gradual flour adds just enough to make dough soft but easy to knead, no dry tough spots.
• Pressure cooker's gentle heat keeps oil stable and keeps frying temps steady, no burnt spots.
• Natural release lets steam slow down for dough that's fluffy and cooked through evenly.

The Complete Shopping Rundown

• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast - gotta get it fresh so it froths nice.
• ¾ cup milk, warmed to about 105°F - this temp wakes up the yeast without killing it.
• 1 whole egg plus 1 egg yolk - extra richness for your dough's softness.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar - just enough to sweeten without being overpowering.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened - brings that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract - the secret flavor booster here.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt - balances out sweetness real good.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus some for dusting - essential for that tender, elastic dough.
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying - use something stable so it holds steady heat in your cooker.
• Powdered sugar for dusting - sweet snowfall that finishes off the beignets perfectly.

How It All Comes Together Step by Step

• First, in a small bowl you dissolve yeast in milk warmed to 105°F. Let it sit around 5 minutes till it's nice and frothy like a little cloud on top.
• Next, in a bigger bowl whisk together the egg, egg yolk, sugar, softened butter, vanilla, and salt till they blend smooth and creamy.
• Pour your frothy, active yeast mix into the big bowl and stir it all up well so the flavors meet evenly.
• Slowly add your flour, one cup at a time, mixing till soft dough begins to form. Don't dump it all at once or it gets tough.
• Turn dough onto floured surface and knead about 5 minutes till smooth, elastic, and perfect for rising.
• Pop dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it hang out warm for 1 hour or till doubled. Punch it down, roll it to 1-inch thickness, cut rounds with biscuit cutter or glass, place on floured tray, then cover and rest another 30 minutes to puff up.

Heat your vegetable oil in pressure cooker fry pan or insert to 350°F, steady that valve hiss. Fry your rounds in batches about 2-3 minutes a side till golden. Drain on paper towels and hit 'em with powdered sugar while warm. You feel that tender pull soft dough as you bite in? Dang, so good.

Smart Shortcuts for Busy Days

When time's tight, warm the milk in microwave but watch it close so it don't get too hot for yeast. It works real good.

Use softened butter straight from room temp, skip melting it. Butter that's soft blends quicker into the eggs and sugar mix.

Roll dough between two pieces of parchment paper - less mess and skip extra flour for dusting.

What It Tastes Like Fresh From the Pot

Each beignet hits you with a slightly crispy golden shell outside but that dough inside pulls apart soft and airy with a tender pull you won't forget. It's like biting into a warm cloud dusted with sweet powdered sugar that melts right away.

You get this subtle vanillla and buttery sweetness greeting your taste buds right away. It's light enough that you feel like you could eat a dozen yet satisfy that deep dough craving.

The aroma stays cozy on your fingers and air around the kitchen as you munch. It's the kinda treat that makes you wanna slow down, sip coffee, and soak in the moment.

Your Leftover Strategy Guide

If you got leftovers, wrap 'em up tight with plastic wrap and keep in airtight container on countertop for 1 day max. They stay freshest that way.

For longer, pop 'em in fridge but know dough pulls get a bit tougher and dryer. Reheat gently in microwave with paper towel to keep moist.

Freeze leftover rounds individually wrapped. When ready, thaw overnight in fridge then warm fast in oven or air fryer for best texture.

Reheating in pressure cooker helps too. Use slow release steam for couple minutes to revive softness without drying out dough.

The FAQ Section You Actually Need

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
  You can but gotta tweak rising times cause instant works faster. Keep an eye so dough doesn't overproof. Check out our classic hot cross buns recipe for similar yeast tips.
• What if my oil temperature drops too low when frying?
  Wait for the valve hiss to steady before frying next batch. If oil's cold, beignets soak oil and get greasy. For other pressure cooker frying tips, see our Guinness beef stew cooking guide.
• Why do my beignets come out dense sometimes?
  Likely not enough kneading or dough not risen fully. Give it time and gentle kneads for fluffy pulls. Learn about kneading and dough rising in our carrot cake cupcakes post.
• How do I store leftover beignets best?
  Wrap tight on countertop for short term or freeze individually for longer. Reheat with slow release steam in cooker or quick oven warm ups.
• Can I bake beignets instead of frying?
  Sure, but you'll miss that crispy golden fry outside. Baked ones tend to be softer and less rich.
• Any pressure cooker tips for perfect beignets?
  Keep oil temp steady at about 350°F, watch natural release after cooking, and go slow on releasing steam to keep dough tender and moist inside.