Brioche Donuts

Introduction

Brioche Donuts are the ultimate indulgence, combining the rich, buttery flavor of brioche bread with the soft, airy texture of a classic donut. Made with a yeasted dough enriched with eggs and butter, these donuts are fried to golden perfection and can be filled with various delicious fillings, such as custard, jam, or Nutella, or enjoyed simply with a dusting of sugar.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how decadent and versatile they were. The dough is soft and pillowy, with a slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with just about any filling or topping. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts have a way of making the occasion feel extra special.

What’s great about brioche donuts is that you can customize them to suit your taste. Dust them with powdered sugar, dip them in glaze, or fill them with your favorite ingredients—the possibilities are endless. Perfectly golden on the outside and irresistibly fluffy on the inside, these donuts are a luxurious treat that will impress everyone who tries them.

Perfect for:

• Weekend brunch
• Special occasions
• Holiday celebrations
• Dessert spreads
• Homemade gifting

Why You’ll Love This Brioche Donuts

Here’s why Brioche Donuts will become your go-to recipe for indulgent treats:

• Rich and Buttery Flavor: Thanks to the brioche dough, these donuts have a deep, buttery taste that elevates them beyond the ordinary.
• Light and Fluffy Texture: The yeasted dough creates a pillowy soft texture that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Fillings: You can fill them with custard, jam, chocolate, or leave them plain for endless variations.
• Perfectly Golden and Crisp: The frying process ensures a golden, crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
• Impressive Homemade Treat: Making these donuts from scratch is easier than you think and guarantees a wow factor when served.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours (includes rising time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 2½-3 hours
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 37g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Brioche Donuts:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed (110°F/43°C)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Optional Toppings and Fillings:
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Granulated sugar for rolling
  • Vanilla custard, jam, Nutella, or pastry cream for filling

Ingredient Highlights

• Brioche Dough: The enriched dough made with butter, eggs, and milk is the star of this recipe, creating the soft and rich texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates the fluffy interior.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough, making it tender and decadent.
• Fillings and Toppings: These allow for endless customization, whether you prefer something sweet and creamy or fruity and tangy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Brioche Donuts:

Prepare the Brioche Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the foamy yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1½-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape the Donuts:

6. Roll and Cut: Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll it to about ½-inch thickness and cut out rounds using a 3-inch cookie cutter or a glass. Use a smaller cutter to make donut holes, if desired.
7. Second Rise: Place the donuts on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Fry the Donuts:

8. Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature.
9. Fry the Donuts: Carefully lower 2-3 donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
10. Cool Slightly: Let the donuts cool for 5-10 minutes before filling or coating them.

Fill and Decorate:

11. Fill the Donuts: If filling, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to inject the donuts with your choice of filling.
12. Decorate: Roll the donuts in granulated sugar, dust with powdered sugar, or leave them plain.

How to Serve Brioche Donuts

Brioche Donuts are best served fresh and warm:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with coffee or tea for a luxurious start to your day.
• As a Dessert: Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or alongside fresh fruit for a decadent treat.
• For a Special Occasion: Arrange them on a platter for a stunning display at a party or gathering.
• With Ice Cream: Pair a donut with a scoop of ice cream for a next-level dessert.

Additional Tips for Brioche Donuts

Here are some tips to ensure your Brioche Donuts are perfect every time:

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and butter should be at room temperature to ensure the dough mixes smoothly.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) to prevent the donuts from absorbing excess oil or cooking unevenly.
• Don’t Overproof: Letting the donuts rise too long can cause them to collapse during frying. Check for a slight puffiness before frying.
• Cool Before Filling: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before adding the filling to prevent it from melting.
• Fry Donut Holes: Don’t waste the centers—fry them as mini treats!
• Experiment with Fillings: Try a variety of fillings, from classic custard to seasonal jams or nut-based spreads.

Recipe Variations for Brioche Donuts

Here are 10 variations you can try for Brioche Donuts:

• Chocolate-Filled Brioche Donuts: Fill with rich chocolate ganache for a decadent treat.
• Lemon Curd Brioche Donuts: Add a tangy twist by filling with homemade lemon curd.
• Maple Glazed Brioche Donuts: Drizzle with a maple glaze and top with crispy bacon bits.
• Cinnamon Sugar Brioche Donuts: Roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar right after frying for a classic flavor.
• Strawberry Jam Brioche Donuts: Use fresh strawberry jam for a fruity filling.
• Nutella Brioche Donuts: Inject with Nutella for a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
• Vanilla Bean Custard Brioche Donuts: Fill with a luscious vanilla bean custard.
• Glazed Brioche Donuts: Dip the donuts in a simple powdered sugar glaze.
• Pumpkin Spice Brioche Donuts: Add pumpkin spice to the dough and fill with spiced pumpkin cream.
• Caramel Brioche Donuts: Fill with salted caramel and dust with powdered sugar.

Freezing and Storage for Brioche Donuts

• Freezing: Unfilled donuts can be frozen after frying. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment for Brioche Donuts

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Brioche Donuts easier:

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Makes kneading the dough easier and faster.
• Thermometer: Ensures the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: For evenly frying the donuts.
• Cookie Cutters: Use round cutters for shaping the donuts and holes.
• Piping Bag with Round Tip: Essential for filling the donuts cleanly and efficiently.
• Wire Rack: Allows donuts to cool and drain excess oil.
• Pastry Brush: For applying glazes or butter to the donuts.

Frequently Asked Questions for Brioche Donuts

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
   Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, but they won’t have the same crisp texture.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
3. What oil is best for frying?
   Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for frying donuts.
4. How do I ensure the donuts are light and airy?
   Knead the dough well to develop gluten, and don’t rush the rising process—it’s key for fluffy donuts.
5. Can I fill them after freezing?
   Yes, freeze the donuts without filling and add the filling once thawed.

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Conclusion

Brioche Donuts are a luxurious homemade treat that brings together the buttery richness of brioche and the indulgence of freshly fried donuts. With their golden, fluffy texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, these donuts are sure to impress. Whether enjoyed plain, filled with your favorite cream or jam, or dusted with sugar, they’re a versatile and irresistible dessert.

This recipe is as satisfying to prepare as it is to eat, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a decadent dessert. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them on your own, these brioche donuts are guaranteed to elevate any occasion.

I’d love to see how your Brioche Donuts turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!