Credit: cinderellasapron.com
Ingredients
- + 1 cup warm water (about 100 degrees F)
- + 1/2 cup sugar, divided
- + 1 packet active dry yeast
- + 1/2 cup milk
- + 1 egg
- + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- + 4 cups all purpose flour, divided
- + 1 teaspoon salt
- + 3 Tablespoons softened butter
- + vegetable oil, for frying
- + 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- + mickey cookie cutter, optional
Directions
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, yeast, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to start blooming. Whisk in the milk, vanilla, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and egg. Add in 2 cups of the flour, whisk until combined.
Attach a dough hook on the stand mixer, and knead on medium speed, slowly adding in the remaining 2 cups of flour. Add the softened butter, and continue to mix. When it’s ready, the dough will pull away from the bowl into a ball. It will be soft, but should not stick all over your fingers. If this happens, add a little more flour and keep kneading until the right consistency is achieved.
Oil a large bowl, and place the dough in it. Cover with plastic wrap and a teal towel, and set in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Roll the dough into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle. Use the Mickey cookie cutter, or cut into squares. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, until it reaches 360 degrees F. Fry the beignets 3 at a time, flipping once golden brown, and then removing when golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes. Drain on a sheet pan lined with towels. Dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy!! 
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