Prep Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Varies (depends on the size of donuts)
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 800g all-purpose flour
- 2-3 eggs
- 100g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet of yeast for brioche (20g)
- 100g butter, softened
- A pinch of salt
- Warm milk (to dissolve the yeast)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Prepare Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk according to the package instructions. Set aside for a few minutes until frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla extract, softened butter, a pinch of salt, and the eggs. Mix well.
- Add Yeast Mixture: Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the bowl with the other ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined and a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Knead and Roll: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Knead it briefly on a floured surface. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Cut Donuts: Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out donuts from the rolled dough. You can also use the mouth of a glass to cut out the donuts and a smaller object to cut out the holes in the center.
- Second Rise: Place the cut donuts on a lightly oiled tea towel or tray. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they puff up.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep pan to about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Donuts: Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry each side until golden brown, which should take about 1-2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the brioche donuts warm. You can dust them with powdered sugar or glaze them with your favorite icing if desired.
Notes:
- Be cautious when working with hot oil, and make sure to fry the donuts until they are evenly golden brown.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.