Oh, the mere thought of warm, fluffy, golden-brown brioche donuts makes my taste buds dance with anticipation! Imagine biting into a cloud of sweet dough, lightly glazed and utterly irresistible.
These aren’t just donuts; they are miniature edible masterpieces, begging to be devoured with a cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday morning. Get ready to create a batch that will disappear faster than you can say “donut”!
Here’s why you absolutely need these brioche donuts in your life:
- Effortlessly achieve bakery-quality results with a surprisingly simple and straightforward recipe perfect for any home baker.
- Experience a symphony of flavors, from the buttery richness of brioche to the delicate sweetness of the glaze in every bite.
- Transform your kitchen into a delightful haven with these visually appealing treats, perfect for impressing friends or family.
- Enjoy this incredibly adaptable base recipe, ready to be customized with your favorite toppings, glazes, or fillings for a personalized twist.
Ingredients for Brioche donuts
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Brioche donuts
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C), sugar, and instant yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
In the same bowl, add the eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer for 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is when the magic happens!
Step 5: Shape the Donuts
Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to cut out the donuts. Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the donuts with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 7: Fry the Donuts
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. While they are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Dip the slightly cooled donuts into the glaze, covering them completely or partially, as desired. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the brioche donuts warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
These brioche donuts are the perfect treat to brighten any day! Enjoy every bite of this delectable masterpiece.
Perfecting the Cooking Process

When making these delightful brioche donuts, start by proofing the dough until doubled. Then, gently roll it out and cut out your donut shapes. Fry until golden brown, and finally, glaze while they’re still warm for the best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon to flavor your brioche donuts. You can also swap out the glaze for a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a rich chocolate ganache. Get creative and have fun!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your brioche donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 1-2 days. If you want to reheat them, a few seconds in the microwave will do the trick.
Here are a few tips for creating bakery-worthy brioche donuts:
- Use a thermometer to ensure your frying oil is at the perfect temperature of 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and a golden-brown color.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer; work in batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent the donuts from becoming greasy.
- For an extra light and airy texture, let the proofed dough rest for an additional 15 minutes after cutting out the donut shapes.
(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)
I remember when I first made these for my family. My kids devoured them in minutes, and my husband said they were better than anything he’d ever gotten at a donut shop.
Conclusion for Brioche donuts :
These homemade brioche donuts are more than just a treat; they are an experience. The buttery, soft dough combined with your favorite glazes and fillings creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. While they might take a bit of effort, the satisfaction of biting into a freshly fried, homemade donut is absolutely worth it. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a donut-making adventure! You’ll be glad you did.
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Brioche donuts
Delicious brioche donuts recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 4 cups
- Instant yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Whole milk: 1 cup, lukewarm
- Large eggs: 4
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened
- Vegetable oil: for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add lukewarm milk and eggs. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 2: Add softened butter, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Gently punch down the dough to release air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out donuts.
- Step 5: Place donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry donuts, 2-3 at a time, for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let cool slightly and glaze or dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Store cooled, unglazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; they're best enjoyed fresh.
- To revive day-old donuts, warm them briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) for a minute or two to restore some of their soft texture.
- Serve these brioche donuts warm with a variety of toppings like homemade glazes, sprinkles, or even whipped cream and fresh berries for a decadent treat.
- For an extra rich flavor, consider browning the butter before adding it to the dough, letting it cool slightly first.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs :
What makes brioche donuts so special?
Brioche donuts are like the VIPs of the donut world. Imagine a regular donut, then give it a serious upgrade with rich, buttery dough. That’s brioche! It’s what happens when you cross a cloud with a croissant and then deep-fry it. The result is a light, airy, and decadent treat that’s far superior to your average sugar bomb. They’re perfect for impressing your friends, family, or just yourself. Plus, they hold glazes and fillings like a dream, making every bite an explosion of flavor. You can’t deny their doughy deliciousness!
How do I avoid greasy brioche donuts?
Greasy donuts are a culinary crime! To avoid this, temperature is your best friend. Keep your frying oil at a consistent 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer! Don’t overcrowd the pot; frying too many at once drops the oil temperature and leads to greasy results. Once fried, let them drain on a wire rack, not paper towels. This helps excess oil drip off without making them soggy. Following these tips should give you a perfect, light, airy, and oil-free brioche donut.
Can I make brioche donuts ahead of time?
You can absolutely prep parts of these ahead of time. The brioche dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This actually helps develop the flavor! Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting your donuts. Fried donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for a day. Be aware that they’re at their peak yumminess on day one. Any glaze should be added right before serving to avoid sogginess.
What are some creative filling ideas for my donuts?
Let your imagination run wild with this simple recipe! How about a tangy lemon curd filling? Or a rich chocolate pastry cream? Maybe a homemade raspberry jam? You could even try a light vanilla bean custard. If you are feeling extra adventurous, a salted caramel filling is absolutely fantastic. Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings, too. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even candied citrus peel. The possibilities are endless!




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