These donuts are soft, golden-brown, and have that distinct, buttery brioche flavor. They require a bit of patience for the dough to rise, but the result is well worth it!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (like canola or sunflower oil) for frying
For Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or powdered sugar if preferred)
Optional Fillings:
- Jam, chocolate, custard, or cream for filling
Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients until combined.
- Add the eggs and warm milk to the dry ingredients. Start mixing on low speed until the dough comes together, about 3 minutes.
- Once combined, gradually add the butter, one piece at a time. Mix until each piece of butter is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- After adding all the butter, increase the mixer speed to medium. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
2. First Rise:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
3. Shape the Donuts:
- After the first rise, punch down the dough to release excess air. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. If you want traditional ring donuts, use a smaller cutter to cut out the centers.
- Place the cut dough rounds on a lined baking sheet with a bit of space between each one. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’re puffed up.
4. Heat the Oil:
- Pour about 2-3 inches of oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to ensure an even temperature.
5. Fry the Donuts:
- Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip and remove them.
- Transfer the fried donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Coat the Donuts:
- While still warm, roll the donuts in granulated sugar (or powdered sugar, if you prefer). If filling, wait for them to cool slightly.
7. Optional: Fill the Donuts
- If filling, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Insert the tip into the side of each donut and gently squeeze in your filling of choice until the donut feels slightly heavy.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sugar-Coated: Simply roll the warm donuts in sugar and enjoy them fresh.
- Filled Brioche Donuts: Fill with jams, pastry cream, lemon curd, or Nutella.
- Glazed Brioche Donuts: Drizzle with a simple sugar glaze made of powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract for a shiny finish.
Storage
- Fresh is Best: Brioche donuts are best enjoyed on the day they are made.
- Storing: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the donuts (unfilled) for up to 2 months, and thaw them at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Brioche Donuts
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to help the dough rise evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry only a few donuts at a time so they cook evenly without dropping the oil temperature.
- Filling Tips: If filling, let the donuts cool to avoid melting fillings like chocolate or cream.
FAQs
- Can I use instant yeast?
- Yes, instant yeast works in place of active dry yeast; it just activates more quickly.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, after the first rise, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight.
- What other glazes work well?
- Chocolate ganache, maple glaze, or cinnamon sugar are delicious on brioche donuts.
Enjoy your fluffy, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Brioche Donuts! With their rich taste and airy texture, these donuts make any occasion special. Whether you make them simple or filled, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.