Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 4 cups
- Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Eggs: 4 large
- Milk: 1/2 cup, lukewarm
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened
- Vegetable oil: For frying
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and lukewarm milk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 2: Add the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition. The dough will be very sticky. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two different sized round cutters to cut out donuts. Place the donuts and donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Cover the donuts and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove donuts and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Glaze or decorate as desired.
Notes
- To keep leftover donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally within a few hours of frying.
- For a warm, delightful treat, reheat your brioche donuts briefly in a microwave (5-10 seconds) or a low oven (300°F for 3-5 minutes).
- Serve these donuts with a homemade vanilla glaze and a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles for a festive and crowd-pleasing dessert.
- The dough is enriched with butter, so patience is key when incorporating it; ensure each addition is fully absorbed before adding more to achieve a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American