1-First Step: Mixing the Dough Begin by combining 4 ½ cups bread flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt in a stand mixer. Add 1 cup warm milk, 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, and 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter. Mix on low speed for 8-10 minutes until the dough is tacky but not sticky. If you’re adapting for dietary needs, like a vegan version, swap in flax eggs here to keep it simple.

2-Second Step: First Rise Once mixed, lightly coat the dough with neutral oil, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for at least 1.5 hours. This step is crucial for that fluffy texture in your brioche donut recipe. Keep an eye on it, and if you’re in a cooler kitchen, a quick proof in the oven with the light on works wonders, just like when I make these on chilly days.

3-Third Step: Shaping the Donuts After the rise, punch down the dough and divide it into 12-20 equal pieces. Shape each piece by pinching the edges and rolling it into a round ball weigh them for even cooking to ensure uniform results. Place the dough balls on parchment paper, cover them, and let them rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy. For variations, you could add fillings here if you like, making it adaptable for food enthusiasts.

4-Fourth Step: Frying the Donut Heat your neutral oil to 350-355°F in a Dutch oven or pot, using a candy thermometer to maintain the temperature. Fry 3 donuts at a time for 2-4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. This precise heat prevents oil absorption, keeping your brioche donut light and crispy a tip that saved my first batch from being greasy. If you’re making low-calorie adaptations, consider baking them instead at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

5-Fifth Step: Finishing Touches Drain the fried donuts on paper towels and toss them in 1 cup sugar while they’re still warm for that sweet coating. The cook time is about 1 hour total, including frying, and the full process wraps up in 3 hours and 20 minutes with rise time. Serve them fresh, perhaps with a side of fruit for a balanced treat, as I often do with my family. Here’s where I like to link to a similar quick recipe: for more easy baking ideas, check out our mini muffin pancake bites for a fun twist.