Thanksgiving Brioche Donuts Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a dessert that captures the warmth and festivity of the season, the Thanksgiving Brioche Donuts Recipe is your perfect match. These donuts boast a tender, buttery brioche texture infused with cozy spices, making them an irresistible treat for holiday mornings or gatherings. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or glazed with sweet maple, they bring a delightful homemade charm that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential for creating the rich, fluffy texture and aromatic flavor profile that define the Thanksgiving Brioche Donuts Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, spice, and moisture.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that provides structure to the dough.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during frying.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast: The leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F: Activates the yeast and adds moisture.
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature: Contribute richness and help with the dough’s elasticity.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Imparts that luxurious buttery flavor and tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note that complements the spices.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a festive touch that screams Thanksgiving in every bite.
• Oil for frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best for a crisp, golden finish.
• Powdered sugar, for dusting: A light sprinkle to add sweetness and prettiness.
• Optional: Maple glaze or spiced sugar for topping: For an extra layer of seasonal flavor and shine.

How to Make Thanksgiving Brioche Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warmed milk with the active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and full of promise. This step is key for ensuring your donuts rise perfectly light and airy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. The cinnamon will give your donuts that signature holiday warmth without overpowering the delicate brioche taste.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This is where everything starts to come together, blending rich flavors and textures.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will look rough but don’t worry—this is the starting point before kneading.

Step 5: Knead to Perfection

Knead your dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a mixer, knead for about 4 to 5 minutes on medium speed. Proper kneading creates that signature brioche tenderness and allows the gluten to develop beautifully.

Step 6: First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it doubles in size, signaling those glorious air pockets have formed.

Step 7: Shaping Your Donuts

Punch down the dough, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1 inch thick, and cut donuts using your cutter. Re-roll scraps as needed to make sure none of this delicious dough goes to waste.

Step 8: Second Rise

Lay cut donuts on a floured baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for 30 to 60 minutes. This puffiness before frying will ensure your donuts are incredibly fluffy and tender on the inside.

Step 9: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or large pot. Fry the donuts in batches, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and tempting. Use a slotted spoon to drain excess oil on paper towels.

Step 10: Finish and Garnish

While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or dip them in a luscious maple glaze or spiced sugar for a festive finish. This final touch brings the Thanksgiving Brioche Donuts Recipe to life.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Brioche Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

Powdered sugar lends a snowy, delicate sweetness that enhances the donut’s buttery layers. For a more decadent presentation, a drizzle of maple glaze or a sprinkle of spiced sugar—think cinnamon and nutmeg—adds seasonal flair and richness.

Side Dishes

Pair your donuts with warm beverages like spiced chai tea, hot apple cider, or freshly brewed coffee to create a cozy atmosphere. Fresh fruit, such as sliced pears or cranberries, also complements the spices beautifully and lightens the spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the donuts in a rustic basket lined with a festive napkin for a charming holiday centerpiece. For a playful twist, stack them into a donut tower or skewer with cinnamon sticks and cranberries to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps retain their soft texture while keeping them from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container once frozen. They keep well for up to one month and are perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or day-old donuts, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This technique revives their golden crust and soft, pillowy interior just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which usually takes a few extra minutes of good old-fashioned elbow grease.

What type of oil is best for frying these donuts?

Vegetable oil or canola oil works best because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor, which allows the donut’s rich, buttery taste to shine without any overpowering oiliness.

Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, allspice, or even a pinch of cloves to complement the cinnamon. Just be careful to balance the spices so they don’t overpower the brioche’s delicate sweetness.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a cooking thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350°F before frying. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles and rises to the surface within seconds, the oil is ready.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

While frying gives the classic crispy exterior and tender inside, you can bake these brioche donuts at 375°F for about 12 to 15 minutes. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different without the fried crust.

Final Thoughts

Making the Thanksgiving Brioche Donuts Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, edible hug from the holiday season. They’re a celebration of buttery richness, cozy spices, and joyful moments shared over the breakfast table or dessert plate. I encourage you to dive in and treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful donuts—you’ll quickly understand why they become a treasured favorite every year.

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