Indulging in a warm, fluffy brioche donut is like giving your taste buds a hug. These delightful pastries, with their airy texture and buttery flavor, are perfect for any occasion or even just a snack attack. biscoff cookie butter cinnamon rolls Think of them as the lovechild of a donut and a croissant, bringing together the best of both worlds in each heavenly bite.

I remember the first time I made brioche donuts; my kitchen transformed into a sweet-smelling haven and my family flocked in like moths to a flame. Nothing beats the joy on their faces when they took their first bites. indulgent brownie truffles These donuts are perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy Saturday mornings. Get ready for an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Brioche donuts are simple to prepare, making them accessible even for novice bakers
- Their rich flavor profile combines sweetness with a hint of nuttiness, creating an irresistible treat
- The golden-brown exterior adds visual appeal that will impress guests at any gathering
- These donuts are versatile enough to be enjoyed plain or dressed up with glazes and toppings
I once surprised my friends with these brioche donuts at a weekend brunch, and their delighted reactions were priceless. For more inspiration, check out this Raspberry Bliss Cheesecake Bites recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious pumpkin smores cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it provides structure without being too dense.
Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh; this is key for achieving that lovely rise.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential; it also helps activate the yeast during mixing.
Whole Milk: Warm milk enhances flavor and helps create that soft, tender crumb.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness; melt it for easy incorporation.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help bind everything together and enrich the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds depth of flavor, making these donuts irresistible.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Choose oil with a high smoke point for deep-frying without burning.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Chewy Oreo Cookies recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Activate Your Yeast: Begin by warming your milk until it’s just warm to the touch—think cozy bath temperature. Sprinkle in your active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar then let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour in your frothy yeast mixture and stir until combined.
Knead Until Smooth: Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—think super soft baby’s bottom!
First Rise: Let It Rest!: Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Shape Your Donuts: Once risen, punch down your dough (take out all that pent-up frustration). Roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick and cut using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters.
Second Rise: Patience Pays Off!: Transfer your cut-out donuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them again with plastic wrap. Allow them to rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Fry to Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry each donut for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels afterward.
Enjoy those lovely brioche donuts while they’re still warm! You can dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in glaze if you’re feeling fancy!
You Must Know
- Brioche donuts are fluffy, sweet, and wonderfully versatile
- These treats can elevate any breakfast or snack time
- Remember to enjoy them fresh for the best taste and texture
- The delightful smell of these donuts baking is simply irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your dough ingredients until smooth. Allow the dough to rise, then shape it into donuts before frying or baking them to golden perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with flavors! Add vanilla or almond extract for a unique twist, or try different glazes like chocolate or maple. chewy chocolate espresso cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store brioche donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For freshness, reheat briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect brioche donuts, ensure your yeast is fresh and active
- Letting the dough rise in a warm place makes all the difference
- Frying at the right temperature prevents greasy donuts and maintains their lightness
There was that one time I made these brioche donuts for a family gathering, and they vanished faster than a magician’s rabbit! Everyone was raving about how fluffy they were; I think I may have achieved donut fame that day!
FAQ
How long do brioche donuts last?
Brioche donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can last up to two days if stored properly.
Can I bake brioche donuts instead of frying?
Yes! Baking them will create a lighter option, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What toppings work best for brioche donuts?
Glazes like chocolate, vanilla icing, or sprinkled powdered sugar add delightful flavor and texture.

Brioche Donuts
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Brioche donuts are a heavenly blend of light, fluffy pastry and rich buttery flavor, creating the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these treats will wow your family and friends at brunch or during a cozy snack attack. With a golden-brown exterior and endless topping possibilities, these brioche donuts promise a delightful experience in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus 1 tsp for yeast)
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by warming the milk to a cozy temperature, then adding yeast and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
- Roll out the risen dough to about ½ inch thick and cut out donuts using a donut cutter.
- Allow shaped donuts to rise again for another 30-45 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry each donut for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (64g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 185mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg