Brioche Donuts

Who doesn’t love the dreamy, pillowy goodness of homemade brioche donuts? This Brioche Donuts Recipe is here to sweep you off your feet and into a world of sweet indulgence. With their rich, buttery flavor and light, airy texture, these donuts are an absolute treat for anyone who loves a good breakfast or brunch snack. Trust me, once you take a bite, you won’t want to stop at just one.

Brioche donuts have a special place in my heart. Growing up, I remember visiting a quaint little bakery every Sunday, where the warm aroma of fried dough and sugar welcomed me like a hug. These donuts stand apart because they incorporate brioche dough, which gives them that luscious flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with sugar, or drizzled with glaze, these donuts are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or for indulging all by yourself.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – 4 cups; for a lighter version, you can use bread flour
• Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup; honey or maple syrup works too
• Instant yeast – 2 1/4 teaspoons; fresh yeast can be substituted, but adjust the quantity
• Whole milk – 1 cup, warmed; almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative
• Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup, softened; coconut oil can be used for a vegan option
• Eggs – 3 large; substitute flax eggs for a vegan version
• Salt – 1 teaspoon; ensures balanced flavor
• Vegetable oil – for frying; using canola or peanut oil works similarly
• Optional glaze – 1 cup powdered sugar, mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water

Instructions

Step 1:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast.

Step 2:

In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk and melted butter. Once it’s cool to the touch, add it to the dry ingredients.

Step 3:

Crack in the eggs and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 4:

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5:

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter to shape the donuts and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 6:

Allow the donuts to rise again for about 30 minutes. In the meantime, heat the oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7:

Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown, then transfer to a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 8:

If you’re feeling fancy, dip your donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or just sprinkle them with sugar for an old-school touch.

Nutritional Information

Each brioche donut, topped with a light glaze, contains approximately 200 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 3 grams of protein. They are a wonderful indulgence, so enjoy them in moderation.

Healthier Alternatives

Looking for a healthier take? Try baking these donuts instead of frying them. With just a bit of adjustment to the cooking time, you can whip up a batch of scrumptious baked brioche donuts. If you’re interested in baked options, check out my Baked Blueberry Donuts Recipe for more inspiration.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful brioche donuts warm with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of fresh juice. They make for fabulous brunch treats or sweet surprises for any special occasion. Consider piling them high on a serving platter for a delicious centerpiece.

Common Mistakes

One of the common pitfalls is not allowing the dough enough time to rise. Don’t rush this process; it ensures your donuts are fluffy and tender. Additionally, ensuring the oil is at the right temperature is crucial, too hot, and they’ll burn; too cold, and they’ll soak up too much oil.

Chef’s Notes

• If you want a richer flavor, incorporate some vanilla extract into your dough.
• For a fun twist, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar for dusting.
• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for a couple of days.

FAQs

• Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  A1: Absolutely; You can make the dough the night before, shape the donuts, and refrigerate them. Just let them come to room temperature before frying.
• Q2: What’s the best way to know if the oil is ready?
  A2: You can drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the top, your oil is ready.
• Q3: Can I substitute the egg in the recipe?
  A3: Yes, try using flax eggs or applesauce as a great egg substitute in this brioche donuts recipe.

If you’re ready to indulge in a treat that melds nostalgia with culinary delight, give this brioche donuts recipe a whirl. They’ll fill your kitchen with warmth and joy, perfect for any gathering, or just a Saturday morning at home. The scrumptious crispy exterior and the soft, fluffy interior will have everyone begging for seconds. Don’t forget to check out my recipe for Glazed Sourdough Donuts Delight too for a delicious alternative. Remember, baking is all about the experience, so enjoy every moment in your kitchen!

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