Vanilla-Scented Beignets

• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 stick plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2. 1 cup water
3. Pinch of salt
4. 1 1/2 cups plus 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
5. 1 cup all-purpose flour
6. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
7. 5 large eggs, at room temperature
8. 1 1/2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying
9. Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

1. In a saucepan, combine the butter, water, salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the granulated sugar; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat. Add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Return the saucepan to high heat and cook the dough, stirring until very smooth, 1 minute. Transfer the dough to a bowl. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat in the vanilla, then beat in the eggs, one at a time.
2. In a saucepan, heat the oil to 375°. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Scoop 10 scant tablespoons of the dough into the oil and fry, turning, until golden and puffed, 6 minutes. Transfer the beignets to the baking sheet and poke a small hole in the side of each to release steam. Repeat with the remaining dough.
3. Pour the 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar into a bowl. Toss the hot beignets in the sugar; transfer to a platter. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve.