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I grew up watching my mama make brioche donuts. We knew them as “gogosi”. Of course, the way she made them is not the way this recipe is written. Each time, her cup was a different size coffee mug but like many eastern Europeans women, this is how she makes most of her recipes. Everything I know, I learned from her. Consider this your ultimate, mama approved, expert guide to making homemade brioche donuts!
Why you'll love my recipe.
Donut shop quality
I’m not a professional baker but I would say these donuts come pretty close to bakery perfection.
Fluffy and soft
It practically melts in your mouth.
Versatile fillings
Fruity jams, pastry cream or chocolate ganache. You name it. Use my homemade vanilla bean diplomat cream filling from my Éclair Cake recipe. It’s amazing!
What is brioche?
Brioche is a type of enriched dough characterized by a high content of butter, eggs and milk. It’s richer than your typical donut. Making dough can seem very intimidating but this is why I created the ultimate donut guide! Brioche donuts are one of my favorite donut recipes to make.
Why is brioche the best dough for donuts?
You know those amazing donuts you get at your favorite bakery shop that if given the chance, you would eat 5 at a time and not gain a pound? Yeah, those donuts are probably brioche! The higher ratio of butter in brioche dough, compared to the typical, leaner donut, fries up light and fluffy. It’s what makes them pillowy on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside.
What type of yeast should I use?
This recipe uses instant yeast but you may use active dry yeast instead. See my notes in the recipe for special instructions. You can substitute one for the other at a 1:1 ratio but keep in mind, proofing time will differ. If you are a seasoned baker, it will be a little easier to understand the visual cues and know when the dough is ready to use. Both types of yeast act differently and should be treated accordingly. Read more about the different types of yeast here.
How to activate yeast.
If using active dry yeast, first measure 240ml or 1 cup of warm milk from the recipe in a wide mouth cup or bowl. Add in a teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Whisk together to combine and let it sit for 8-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly on top. Then, add to the dry ingredients, along with the remainder of the milk and proceed with baking directions. For extended instructions, see Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Dry Yeast blog post.
Expert tips for making Brioche Donuts.
Accurately measure your ingredients
The best accuracy and consistency for this recipe comes from weighing the dry and wet ingredients. Slight variations can significantly impact the final recipe. This is true for all bread and pastry recipes. Read more about the importance of How to Measure Flour here.
Knead the dough
Let your stand mixer do all the work. Kneading helps evenly incorporate the butter, develops gluten for the structure of the donut and distributes the yeast evenly. It takes time but be patient.
Weigh each dough ball
Donuts of equal weight will cook at the same rate. The extra few minutes it takes to weigh each dough ball is worth it. It’s not just for aesthetics but consistency.
Allow time for the dough to rise
General rule of thumb is to wait until the dough is doubled in size. If the kitchen area is cool and drafty, it will take longer for the dough to rise than my recipe time. The ideal temperature for dough to rise is between 74°F to 85°F / 23°C to 29°C. If your room feels drafty, place the bowl covered with a tea towel in the oven, with door closed and turned off. Rushing this step can result in a denser texture.
Use a candy thermometer
The best temperature for frying brioche donuts is between 350°F to 355°F / 163°C to 179°C. If the oil is too high, the outside of the donuts will burn and the center will be undercooked. If the oil is too low, the donuts will absorb more oil, making them heavy and greasy. To avoid those two things, the best practice is to stay within the recommended frying temperature and watch for any fluctuation of the thermometer. Shop my exact thermometer here. (Affiliate link)
Don’t overcrowd the fryer
Avoid overcrowding the pot with donuts to maintain the set temperature. I like to fry 3 donuts at a time.
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What is the windowpane test?
This is a test that bakers use to check if brioche dough has been kneaded enough to develop gluten properly. To perform this test, you take a small piece of ready kneaded dough and gently use your fingertips to press against the dough and stretch it between your fingers. Do not pull, simply massage and stretch. If the dough stretches into a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, resembling a windowpane, then the dough passed the test and is ready for the next steps. If the dough tears, it indicates that a little more kneading is needed.
Can I bake brioche donuts instead of frying?
Baked brioche donuts are less rich and have a denser, bread texture compared to fried ones. They may also lack that overall fluff and slightly crisp exterior that frying provides. , but they are still a delicious and lighter alternative.
Prepare the dough per recipe
Follow my brioche donut recipe, including proofing until doubled in size.
Shape the donuts
After the first rise, divide and shape the donuts per recipe.
Second rise
Allow the shaped donuts to proof again until puffed.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the tops of the donuts with egg wash. Adjust baking times depending on the size of your donuts. Smaller donuts may take 8-10 minutes while larger ones may require up to 15 minutes. Monitor the color closely as different oven strengths will vary bake time.
Watch the full recipe tutorial on YouTube.
Why is my dough not rising?
There is nothing more frustrating than dough that refuses to rise. Below are four common reasons why your dough is not rising and practical solutions to get your dough back on track.
Yeast issues
The problem
Yeast is the driving force behind the rise but if it’s expired, stored improperly or not activated correctly, you dough won’t rise.
How to fix it
Check freshness. Store yeast in a dry cool place and check the expiration date. Opened yeast should be stored in the refrigerator. Mix your yeast with warm milk or water and a pinch of sugar. Within 5-10 minutes, it should foam. No foam? The yeast is dead – replace it!
Temperature problems
The problem
Brioche dough is sensitive to temperature. If it’s too cold, the yeast slows down or stops working entirely.
How to fix it
Create the ideal environment for the dough to rise. Typically, your kitchen counter should be just fine! If your kitchen is drafty, use the oven method. Set the oven to 200°F for a few minutes, then turn it off. Leave it alone for a few minutes. The oven should feel toasty, not hot. If it feels too hot, crack the door and wait for it to slightly cool down. The ideal oven temperature inside should be between 70°F to 80°F. Place the bowl of dough wrapped in plastic wrap and a damp kitchen towel on the center rack. Make sure the oven is off first! Check the bowl warmth after a few minutes. Make sure its not too hot. Extreme heat kills yeast. Keep liquids and proofing environments under 120°F.
Too much sugar or salt
The problem
Excess sugar can dehydrate yeast and too much salt can inhibit yeast activity.
How to fix it
Follow the recipe and measure precisely. My dough recipe is less sweet than most. Mix the salt and sugar in the dry ingredients before adding the yeast. This helps the yeast avoid direct contact with the salt during activation.
Undeveloped gluten
The problem
In order for the dough to rise, it requires a well-developed gluten network to trap air and rise. Insufficient kneading results in flat dough.
How to fix it
Knead properly and be patient. Enriched doughs with eggs and butter take longer to knead, My recipe requires 8-10 minutes of kneading. Knead until the dough is smooth, elastic and tacky but not too sticky. And most importantly, give the dough enough time to rise. Sometimes dough simply just needs more time.
How to roll the dough balls.
I found this method to be the most effective way for the dough balls to keep their shape, even during frying. Watch my full YouTube version of this recipe for a visual tutorial.
Step 1
Use your fingertips to gently flatten the pre-weighed dough ball.
Step 2
Then, grab the four corners and pinch the seams together. It will resemble a cute dumpling.
Step 3
Flip the ball seam side down and with the back of your palm, use the resistance of the surface to move in a circular motion. This smooths out the round shape of the donuts. Set aside on sheet of parchment paper and repeat with the remaining dough balls.
What filling can I use for my donuts?
Fruity jams, pastry cream or chocolate ganache. You name it. Use my homemade vanilla bean diplomat cream filling from my Éclair Cake recipe. It’s amazing!
How to serve donuts.
My favorite way to serve brioche donuts is tossed in sugar while they are still warm. Enjoy with tea or coffee for an extra special moment.
How to store leftover brioche donuts.
Brioche donuts are best served fresh and hot. I bet there won’t be any leftovers but in the event that you do, they store well for 1-2 days at room temperature in an airtight container. Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. This secures the moisture and prevents the brioche donuts from drying. If making ahead, save any filling in the refrigerator until serving.
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Brioche Donuts
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups bread flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast see note for active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup sugar additional, set aside for tossing
- Neutral oil like vegetable, canola or sunflower
Instructions
- ATTENTION! Read through the recipe before starting and measure all your ingredients in advance. Go back and watch my full video tutorial, read my expert tips and extended instructions with photos. Use metric measurements and weigh the dry and wet ingredients for best accuracy as my recipe. Toggle back and forth between US Customary and Metric measurements in the ingredients section above.
- In a stand mixer bowl, add flour, sugar, yeast and salt. See notes below if using active dry yeast. Use the dough hook attachment and while the mixer is on, add warm milk, eggs and softened butter, one tablespoon at a time.4 ½ cups bread flour, 1 cup warm milk, 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk, 2 Tablespoons granulated white sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- Mix on low speed for 8-10 minutes. The dough should be tacky but not sticky, soft and easy to stretch. If it's sticky, add a few spoonful of flour and continue to knead until the dough comes together. Lightly coat the bowl and dough with oil, cover with plastic wrap and a tea towel.
- Let it rise in a warm spot at room temperature for at least 1 ½ hours. This first rise is called bulk fermentation. It allows the yeast to ferment the dough, developing flavor and helping the gluten structure form.
- Punch the dough down. Divide into 14 equal pieces for LARGE donuts, measuring 73 grams each or divide the dough into 18 equal pieces for MEDIUM donuts. You can divide the dough into small donut holes as well but keep in mind, frying time will vary.
- Working with one piece of dough at a time, pinch the edges into the middle, forming a small pouch. Place the ball of dough, seam-side down on a clean work surface, cup your hand over it, and lightly roll it into a ball, using the back of your palm and the friction of surface to help with the rounding.
- Place each ball on pre-cut parchment sheet. Cover with a tea towel and let it rise for 30-40 minutes. This second rise is called proofing. It occurs after the donuts are shaped. This shorter rise allows the dough to develop a little more volume and improves the final structure.
- Heat oil in a large, heavy bottom Dutch oven or pot. Use a thermometer to keep the temperature between 350°F to 355°F / 176°C to 179°C.
- Gently place three donuts into the oil at a time, leaving space for them to puff up and move around. Because the donuts are fairly large, fry for 3-4 minutes on EACH SIDE, total up to 8 minutes max. Smaller donuts need 2-3 minutes on each side. See notes for expert tips on frying.
- Remove from the oil using a slotted spoon and place on a baking tray lined with a wire rack or paper towels. This helps drain the excess oil off. Repeat until there are no more donuts. Toss in granulated sugar, powdered sugar or enjoy as is.1 cup sugar
Notes
- I suggest using metric measurements and weighing the dry and wet ingredients for best accuracy. If you don't have scale, please measure liquids at eye level and flour with the fluff, spoon and level method. Measuring flour the accurate way is important for baking recipes. See How to Measure Flour blog post.
- If using active dry yeast, first measure 240ml or 1 cup of warm milk from the recipe in a wide mouth cup or bowl. Add in a teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Whisk together to combine and let it sit for 8-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly on top. Then, add to the dry ingredients, along with the remainder of the milk and proceed with baking directions. For extended instructions, see Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Dry Yeast blog post.
- The best temperature for frying brioche donuts is between 350°F to 355°F / 163°C to 179°C. If the oil is too high, the outside of the crullers will burn and the center will be undercooked. If the oil is too low, the donuts will absorb more oil, making them heavy and greasy. To avoid those two things, the best practice is to stay within the recommended frying temperature and watch for any fluctuation of the thermometer. Shop my exact thermometer here. (Affiliate link)
- Brioche donuts are best served fresh and hot. I bet there won't be any leftovers but in the event that you do, they store well for 1-2 days at room temperature. Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. This locks in the moisture and prevents the donuts from drying. If making ahead, I suggest saving any filling in the refrigerator until serving.
Nutrition
The provided nutritional value above is an estimate per serving. 100% accuracy is not guarenteed. Please see Nutrition Information Disclaimer in our Privacy Policy.
Nutrition Information Disclaimer
Are you able to make the dough ahead of time, and then fry the next morning? Thanks!
Hi Cayla, I haven’t specifically tested it on this brioche donut recipe. I don’t foresee it being an issue. Once you shape the donuts, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the fridge and leave out at room temperature for at least one hour before frying. I hope this helps!
So fluffy and soft! Every donut lovers dream!
Thank you so much! 🙂
We think so too! 🙂
These were INCREDIBLE & so fun to make! They were pillowy soft and the cream was delicious and unlike any dessert I’ve ever had! Thank you for sharing this recipe masterpiece with the world
Thank you for such a kind review, Brittny! We’re thankful for the support we have from you! 🙂
Hi there! I am super excited to try this recipe tomorrow, however I’ve seen a couple other comments on this post about a cream filling? Do you have a recipe that you use? Thanks in advance!
P.S. I’ve made your sandwich bread recipe twice now, and it is SO delicious!!
Hi Hilary! Thank you so much for trying our recipes. 🙂 I’m so glad you’re enjoying them as much as we are. Please see my diplomat cream filling instructions on my Éclair Cake recipe. I will link the recipe here. I hope this helps! It’s one of our favorite creams. https://bakecookrepeat.com/recipe/eclair-cake/
These donuts. Where do I begin? They’re pillowy soft, fluffy, and airy. I made mine the “creme brûlée” style with the crunchy sugar topping and the vanilla pastry cream filling and they are literally heavenly. A perfect sweet treat. This one’s a recipe I’ll be passing down for generations. Chef’s kiss ✨
Hi Karina! Wow, what a compliment! You’re making us blush!! Thank you for trusting our recipes around your table. 🙂
This brought back so many memories, so delicious, I felt truly blessed to be the receiver of this nice surprise! I’m actually use to eat them plain with powdered sugar, but the cream is divine! I had one problem I couldn’t stop with only one!
Thank you for the lovely review! It sounds like you have a favorite donut on your hands. 🙂
Hi! Love the recipe and would like to give it a go! I don’t have a stand mixer though, is it still possible?
Hi Courtney, It’s possible! You can definitely knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. 🙂
I love the detailed recipe and instructions for these donuts! It helps SO much to see and read every piece of information on making these yummy treats – I’ve had them now several times and it never disappoints! Best recipe for brioche donuts! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you, Patty! So happy to hear you’re loving our donut recipe!
First time I’ve used your recipe and it turned out delightful- the whole family loved them.
I won a cooking tv show The Taste and love cooking however I’m not a baker I’m a cook so following recipes is not my thing – you have made it easy simple and seems fooolproof to make something like a brioche bread into a donut .
Thank you for all the work that goes into your recipe creation I know it’s a lot and all the supporting information process photos, videos
Now I’m off to make your artisan bread!
Hi Debbie! Thank you so much for this lovely review! That’s exactly what we’re here for. 🙂
These donuts are so light and fluffy! This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in our home ❤️
Yay! That’s what we love to hear. 🙂
Okayyyyyyy so my kiddos absolutely loved this recipe!! I add extra filling in mine…. You can’t go wrong! This is one of those recipes that is a KEEPER! They are gone right as they are done, we never have the opportunity for leftovers!! Ha ha!
Nothing like homemade donuts! So glad you loved them!
What type of oil are you using?
Any neutral oil with a higher smoke point, like canola, sunflower or vegetable. Olive oil works great too. I hope this helps!
This receipe is amazing. Husband and kids loved it and they were gone in no time. Patricia’s receipes are the best ❤️
Thank you so much, Mari! 🙂
Made these for my family party and everyone loved them! Seriously the BEST donuts out there!
Thank you, Debbie! I’m glad they were a big hit!
This recipe is Super delicious and simple. Im in love with donuts. They are just like the ones I eat in Europe. When my family saw this recipe they asked for them right away. They turned out perfect.
What a compliment! I’m so happy the family enjoyed them! Thank you, Manuela 🙂
Hi Patricia, I just bumped into your brioche donuts recipe on insta, and would love to give it a try. Could you share the portion if using active yeast recipe?
I couldn’t find it on your Notes.
Thank you
Hi Soshi! Thank you for the question. It’s a 1:1 ratio substitution. Use 2 teaspoons. 🙂
We just tried this recipe and it is amazing! My kids could not get enough of these donuts! They melt in your mouth. Don’t spend your money on Krispie Kreme… make these! Your kids will love you for it!
It’s hard to go wrong with freshly homemade donuts! 🙂