Homemade Beignets

1: In a mixing bowl, add warm water, yeast packet, and ½ of the sugar. Whisk for 20 seconds and set aside, covered, in a warm place for about 15 minutes until foamy.

2: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add milk, egg, vanilla bean paste, and the rest of the sugar and whisk together.

3: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix.

4: Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer with the dough attachment and add in the butter. Mix and then add the rest of the flour.

5: Continue to mix and add flour as needed until the dough does not stick to your fingers. It should be sticky but not fully sticking.

6: Add the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with wrap or a towel, and let it rise for 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

7: Once the dough has risen, start heating the oil to medium heat. Flour your surface and remove the dough from the bowl.

8: Cut the dough in half, roll out a stretch of the dough, and cut it into 2x2 inch squares.

9: Heat the oil to 325°F. Gently add 3 pieces of dough and fry for about 45-50 seconds. Flip the beignets when golden brown on each side.

10: Drain the beignets on a wire rack and repeat until all are cooked. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy hot!