![To make Thanksgiving brioche donuts, gather the following items: - 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - 3 large eggs, at room temperature - ⅓ cup whole milk, warmed - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Oil for frying - For the Glaze: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 1-2 tablespoons milk (to thin) - A pinch of cinnamon You might not have every ingredient at hand. Here are some easy swaps: - All-purpose flour: Use bread flour for a chewier texture. - Granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor. - Active dry yeast: Instant yeast works too; no need to proof it. - Whole milk: Almond milk or oat milk can replace dairy milk. - Unsalted butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Powdered sugar: Make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine. When baking, the right brands can make a big difference. Here are my favorites: - Flour: King Arthur Flour is reliable and consistent. - Sugar: Domino Sugar provides great sweetness and quality. - Yeast: Red Star Active Dry Yeast is a trusted choice. - Butter: Kerrygold butter adds rich flavor to your donuts. - Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup for the best glaze taste. Using quality ingredients pays off in flavor and texture. Enjoy making these festive brioche donuts! Making Thanksgiving brioche donuts is fun and rewarding. You start by mixing warm milk and yeast. After that, you combine dry ingredients in another bowl. Then, you mix these two bowls together. Knead the dough until it's smooth and let it rise. Once it's ready, cut out the donuts, fry them, and glaze. Each step builds on the last, leading to delicious donuts. 1. Mix the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine ⅓ cup warmed milk and 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. 2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together: - 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour - ¼ cup granulated sugar - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add to the yeast mixture: - 3 large eggs (room temperature) - 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix these well. 4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix, stirring until a dough forms. 5. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth. 6. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. 7. Shape the Donuts: Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Cut out donuts with cutters. Place them on floured sheets and cover with a towel. Let them rise for another 30-45 minutes. 8. Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). 9. Fry the Donuts: Carefully drop in the donuts. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. 10. Drain Excess Oil: Move the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil. 11. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 1-2 tablespoons milk (to thin) - A pinch of cinnamon 12. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts cool enough to handle, dip the tops into the glaze. Let them set on a cooling rack. For each step, consider taking photos or videos. Show the yeast bubbling, the dough rising, and the frying process. These visuals can help others follow along. You can refer to the Full Recipe for added clarity throughout the cooking process. When making brioche donuts, some mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are key points to watch for: - Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and warmed milk. This helps the dough rise better. - Skipping the rising step: Letting the dough rise is crucial. It gives the donuts a light, airy texture. Don't rush this part! - Over-kneading the dough: Knead just until smooth. Over-kneading can make the donuts tough instead of soft. - Not frying at the right temperature: Frying at too low a heat can make greasy donuts. Too high and they will burn. Aim for 350°F (175°C). Frying brioche donuts can be tricky, but you can get it right with these tips: - Use a deep fryer or heavy pot: This helps maintain a steady temperature. A deep pot also allows the donuts to float freely. - Check the oil temperature: Use a thermometer. Dropping a small piece of dough in the oil can also test the heat. If it sizzles, you’re ready. - Fry in small batches: Crowding the pot lowers the oil temperature. This leads to uneven cooking. Fry just a few at a time. - Flip carefully: Use a slotted spoon to flip the donuts gently. This keeps their shape intact. The right temperature for rising dough is key to soft brioche donuts. Here’s how to find it: - Warm, draft-free area: Aim for a space around 75°F to 80°F. You can turn on the oven to warm it, then turn it off. - Cover the dough: Use plastic wrap or a damp towel. This keeps the dough from drying out. - Time it right: Let the dough rise until it doubles in size, usually about 1 to 1.5 hours. Patience is key here! By following these tips, your Thanksgiving brioche donuts will be a rich and festive delight! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can fill your Thanksgiving brioche donuts with many tasty choices. Here are a few options: - Pumpkin: Mix pumpkin puree with cream cheese for a rich filling. - Maple: Blend maple syrup with vanilla custard for a sweet treat. - Apple: Cook diced apples with cinnamon and sugar for a warm, fruity taste. Each filling adds a unique flavor. Choose what you love most! Toppings can elevate your donuts in many fun ways. Here are some ideas: - Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to bring joy and festivity. - Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture. - Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate for a sweet finish. Mix and match toppings for a custom look. Make your donuts look special for Thanksgiving. Here are some decoration ideas: - Fall Leaves: Use edible leaves or candy to create a fall theme. - Pumpkin Faces: Pipe icing to make cute pumpkin faces. - Cinnamon Sticks: Place a cinnamon stick on top for a rustic touch. These ideas will impress your guests. Have fun creating! To keep your Thanksgiving brioche donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help keep them soft. You can also wrap each donut in plastic wrap. If you want to save space, use a large zip-top bag. Avoid stacking them too high to prevent squishing. If you have leftovers, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes until warm. This will bring back some of that fresh-baked taste. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just heat for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or they might get tough. Brioche donuts are best enjoyed fresh. They can last for about 2 days at room temperature. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Just place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above for a tasty treat. To make Thanksgiving brioche donuts, start with warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for five minutes. Then, mix flour, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in another bowl. Combine the yeast mixture with eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Add the dry mix gradually. Knead the dough for five to seven minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a greased bowl for one to one and a half hours. Roll the dough, cut out donuts, and allow them to rise again for 30-45 minutes. Finally, fry the donuts until golden brown and glaze them. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can bake brioche donuts instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After cutting out the donuts, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter or egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden. Baking gives a different texture but still offers a tasty treat. If you prefer not to make donuts at home, many bakeries offer Thanksgiving brioche donuts. Check local bakeries or specialty shops. Online delivery services may also have options. Look for bakeries that focus on seasonal treats. They often create special recipes for the holiday season. Brioche donuts have roots in French baking. They became popular in America as bakers experimented with this rich dough. Many families enjoy making them during Thanksgiving for their soft texture and sweet flavor. They add a festive touch to holiday gatherings. Serving them with unique toppings makes them even more special. To adjust the recipe, you can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. For a dairy-free option, swap whole milk with almond or oat milk. Replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture or applesauce for a vegan option. Adjust the sugar based on your preference, using alternatives like agave syrup or stevia. Always check for allergies and preferences when baking for others. Thanksgiving brioche donuts bring joy to any holiday table. We covered key ingredients, substitutions, and quality brands. You learned step-by-step instructions with visuals to guide your baking. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and achieve perfect donuts. We explored exciting filling options and toppings to personalize your treats. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep them fresh. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen! Enjoy making these delicious donuts for Thanksgiving.](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d5c4ae63-cc2a-435e-9366-067fc3ba06be-250x250.webp)
Thanksgiving Brioche Donuts
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Thanksgiving with these homemade brioche donuts! Soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, they're a festive twist on a classic favorite. Follow our simple recipe to create these delicious treats topped with a rich maple glaze that will impress your guests. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy breakfast, click through to discover the step-by-step instructions and make your Thanksgiving extra special!