Chocolate Brioche Donuts are the perfect combination of indulgence and comfort. Imagine biting into a fluffy, buttery brioche donut with the rich taste of dark chocolate melted on top—what could be better than that? These donuts are not your typical fried variety; instead, they’re baked to perfection, making them a bit lighter but still incredibly soft and indulgent. Whether you’re enjoying them as a weekend treat, a special dessert, or for a cozy brunch, these donuts will definitely satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Let’s break down how you can make these mouthwatering Chocolate Brioche Donuts at home, what you’ll need, and why this recipe works so wonderfully.
Why This Recipe Works
Brioche is a rich, buttery bread, and when you transform it into donuts, you’re left with a soft, airy texture that melts in your mouth. By using fresh yeast instead of dry yeast, you ensure that the donuts will have a light, fluffy consistency. The dark chocolate topping adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the dough.
The method of folding the dough after incorporating the butter helps create layers, giving you that tender, flaky texture that brioche is known for. The donuts are also baked instead of fried, which reduces the heaviness and makes them slightly less indulgent, but they still pack a delicious punch.
By using the egg wash before baking, you’ll ensure that the donuts have a golden, glossy finish that adds to their visual appeal. The result is a sweet, chocolaty donut with a rich buttery flavor that you won’t be able to resist.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
To make these Chocolate Brioche Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 100 ml lukewarm water: This will help activate the fresh yeast and ensure it dissolves properly.
- 1 egg: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
- 100 ml warm milk: Used to create a soft dough and keep the donuts tender.
- 60 ml vegetable oil: Helps with the softness and texture of the brioche dough.
- 6g fresh yeast: Fresh yeast is key for creating a light, airy texture in the donuts.
- 400g flour: This is the base for the dough, providing the structure.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the sweetness.
- 25g sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- 70g soft butter: Adds richness and makes the dough soft and pliable.
- Chopped dark chocolate: This will be used as a topping to give the donuts that irresistible chocolate flavor.
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk): Used to brush over the donuts before baking, giving them a beautiful golden finish.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the ingredients.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: To mix the dough.
- Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough into a rectangle.
- Baking tray: To bake the donuts.
- Parchment paper: To line the tray and prevent sticking.
- Plastic wrap: To cover the dough while it rises.
How to Make Chocolate Brioche Donuts
Making these Chocolate Brioche Donuts takes a bit of time, but the process is simple and well worth the effort. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by beating the warm milk and lukewarm water in a bowl. Add a little sugar (about half a teaspoon), then stir in the fresh yeast. Whisk until the yeast dissolves completely. Set this mixture aside for about 10 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and start bubbling. This is a crucial step because it ensures your donuts will rise properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once the yeast is ready, add the egg, vegetable oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together to combine. You can use a spatula or your hands, but be sure to mix until the dough comes together. At this stage, the dough might still be a bit sticky.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Now it’s time to knead! Knead the dough for about 10 minutes on a floured surface, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour as you knead, but try to avoid adding too much to keep the dough soft.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is smooth, shape it into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture in your donuts.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Brush the dough with the soft butter, ensuring it’s evenly spread over the surface. Then, fold the dough twice, like a letter, to create layers. Dust the dough with flour and roll it out into a rectangle again, ensuring the butter is sealed in between the layers.
Step 6: Shape the Donuts
Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, cut the dough into 12 strips. Each strip will be shaped into a donut. Form each strip into a donut shape, pinching the ends together to seal. The shape doesn’t have to be perfect—these are homemade donuts after all! Place each donut on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the donuts with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes in a warm spot. They should puff up and become slightly larger.
Step 8: Egg Wash and Chocolate Topping
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg wash by combining 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush the donuts with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Top each donut with chopped dark chocolate, pressing it slightly into the surface of the dough.
Step 9: Bake
Place the tray in the oven and bake the donuts for 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. The chocolate will melt slightly, adding a delicious finish to each donut.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These Chocolate Brioche Donuts are best served warm, so they’ll be soft, gooey, and full of flavor. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, tea, or simply as a delicious treat!
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Use fresh yeast: Fresh yeast gives these donuts their incredible texture. If you can’t find fresh yeast, you can substitute dry yeast, but you may need to adjust the quantities and rising times.
- Be patient with the rising: Brioche dough needs time to rise. Don’t rush the process! A slow rise helps develop the flavors and texture.
- Chill the dough if needed: If the dough is too soft or sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out and shape.
- Experiment with fillings: If you want to take these donuts to the next level, try filling them with chocolate ganache or a sweet cream cheese filling before baking.
- Check your oven temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so be sure to keep an eye on the donuts during the last few minutes of baking. They should be golden brown and cooked through.
How to Serve Chocolate Brioche Donuts
These donuts are a treat on their own, but here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:
- Serve with coffee or hot chocolate: The richness of the chocolate and the soft brioche dough pairs perfectly with a warm beverage.
- Top with whipped cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the donuts with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Pair with fresh berries: The sweetness of the donuts goes wonderfully with fresh, tart berries like raspberries or strawberries.
- Breakfast treat: These donuts are a great option for a special breakfast. Pair them with a light fruit salad for balance.
- As a dessert: Serve them after a light meal for a decadent dessert experience.
Time Breakdown
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour for the first rise, 30 minutes for the second rise
- Baking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Donut)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
These Chocolate Brioche Donuts are a perfect balance of buttery, soft dough and rich, indulgent chocolate. They’re easy to make and perfect for anyone who loves a sweet, homemade treat. Try them out and enjoy the delicious results!