There’s something truly special about homemade treats that you just can’t find in store-bought desserts. Recently, I discovered the art of making Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts, and let me tell you, these fluffy little bites of bliss will change your perception of breakfast treats forever. Picture this: as you take your first bite, the rich, buttery brioche gives way to a luscious custard filling, all while a warm, sweet honey glaze dances on your taste buds.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy afternoon at home, craved something beyond ordinary sweets, and was eager to impress my friends at our next gathering. These donuts are light enough to enjoy with your morning coffee, yet decadent enough for a special occasion. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, transforming your kitchen into a fragrant haven. Next time you feel bored of fast food or store-bought options, give these donuts a whirl—they might just become your new guilty pleasure!
Why will you love Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts?
Decadent Delight: These airy donuts combine the rich taste of brioche with a sweet burnt honey glaze, creating an unforgettable flavor explosion.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone—whether a seasoned chef or a home cook—can whip these up effortlessly.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for brunch, parties, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Endless Versatility: You can customize the filling with different flavors or serve them plain for a delicious treat on their own.
Satisfying Texture: The fluffy inside paired with a crispy exterior offers a wonderful contrast that will keep you reaching for more.
Elevate your homemade dessert game and explore other amazing recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts Ingredients
Baking these delightful donuts is simpler than you think!
For the Donut Dough
- 4 cups Bread Flour – Essential for that light and airy brioche texture.
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough for a delectable treat.
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast – Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
- 1 Large Egg – Adds richness and binds the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted) – Provides a luxurious buttery flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup Whole Milk (warmed) – Activates the yeast for the perfect rise.
For Frying
- Vegetable Oil for Frying – Ensures a crispy golden exterior.
For the Custard Filling
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (cold) – Creates a rich, creamy texture for the filling.
- 2 tablespoons Corn Starch – Thickens the custard for a luscious consistency.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic note to the filling.
- 1/2 cup Honey – The star ingredient that gives these donuts their signature burnt honey flavor.
Dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe and treat yourself to these amazing Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts!
How to Make Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts
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Warm the Milk: Heat 1 cup of whole milk to about 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over it and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. This step helps activate the yeast!
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 large egg, mixing well until everything is blended.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the yeast mixture and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Knead the dough for 10-20 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
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First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Shape the Donuts: Once risen, punch the dough down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide into equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
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Rest Again: Place the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with a towel. Let them rest for about 30 minutes to puff up.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry but not smoking; this ensures a golden-brown crust.
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Fry the Donuts: Carefully place the dough balls into the hot oil in batches, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Watch them closely to avoid burning!
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Drain and Sugar: Transfer the fried donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While they are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar for that sweet finish.
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Caramelize Honey: In a small pan, caramelize 1/2 cup of honey over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes dark and fragrant. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
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Prepare Custard: In a bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks, 1 cup of warmed milk, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. This will make a delicious filling!
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Combine Ingredients: Mix in the caramelized honey and whisk over medium heat until thickened. Once thick, gently fold in 1 cup of cold heavy cream to create a rich custard.
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Fill the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled, poke a hole in each one and fill them with the custard using a piping bag.
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Serve Warm: For the ultimate experience, serve these donuts warm, and watch everyone’s faces light up!
Optional: Drizzle extra caramelized honey on top for an even more decadent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts are perfect for busy cooks who want to enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough and let it rise up to 24 hours ahead; just cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it after the first rise to maintain its quality. The next day, simply shape the donuts, let them rest for 30 minutes, and fry them fresh. To prep the custard filling, you can make it up to 3 days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, fill the cooled donuts with the custard and savor the deliciousness!
Tips for the Best Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts
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Yeast Activation: Ensure the milk is at the right temperature (110°F) for optimal yeast activation; too hot may kill the yeast, resulting in dense donuts.
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Knead Properly: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic; this helps create the airy texture. Don’t rush this step, as it’s crucial for a light brioche.
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Controlled Frying: Maintain the oil temperature at 365°F. Too hot will burn the exterior while leaving the inside raw; too cool will result in greasy donuts.
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Sugar Coating: Roll the donuts in sugar while they’re warm for better adhesion. This adds a delightful sweetness that complements the burnt honey glaze.
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Custard Filling: Allow the custard to cool slightly before filling the donuts to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
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Serving Warm: These Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts are best enjoyed warm; heat them briefly in an oven if they’ve cooled down before serving to restore their fluffiness.
How to Store and Freeze Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts
Room Temperature: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the donuts in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They might lose a bit of their fluffiness, so warm them up before serving.
Freezer: Freeze the donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then in a freezer bag, for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven to regain that fresh taste.
Reheating: For best results, warm the donuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes before serving to give them their deliciously warm and fluffy texture back.
Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts Variations
Feel free to explore your creativity and personalize these delightful treats!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk and coconut cream for a rich vegan option.
For a nutty twist, use almond extract instead of vanilla in the custard. -
Gluten-Free: Swap bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to enjoy these donuts without gluten.
Be sure to check that the flour blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. -
Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough before the first rise for a chocolaty delight.
The melty chocolate pieces make each bite a touch sweeter and more indulgent! -
Maple Glaze: Use pure maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet glaze and unique flavor profile.
A dash of cinnamon in the mix can elevate the cozy autumn vibe! -
Citrus Zest: Add zest from 1 orange or lemon to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens up each bite.
The zest adds an aromatic quality that will delight your senses. -
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger into the custard for an unexpected spicy kick.
The warmth from the spice complements the sweet flavors beautifully. -
Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the custard for added texture and crunch.
Every bite will surprise you with delightful flavors plus an extra layer of satisfaction! -
Extra Layering: Layer the donuts with a cream cheese filling instead of custard for a tangy twist on classic donuts.
Cream cheese can add richness while balancing the sweetness of the honey glaze.
What to Serve with Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts?
Transform your treat into a delightful meal experience with delicious pairings that enhance every bite.
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Rich Coffee: The warm, bold flavors of freshly brewed coffee cut through the sweetness, making each bite even more satisfying.
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Fluffy Scrambled Eggs: Serving soft scrambled eggs alongside these donuts adds a savory contrast that balances their sweetness perfectly.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing, juicy element that brightens your plate and adds color.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream complements the rich custard filling while adding a luxurious touch to your decadent treats.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A subtle maple syrup drizzle enhances the honey flavor, bringing an extra dimension of sweetness to your donuts.
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Sparkling Lemonade: This refreshing, tangy drink cleanses the palate, making it a perfect pairing with the sweet, rich brioche donuts.
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Chocolate Ganache: For chocolate lovers, a velvety ganache can elevate the indulgence, turning your donuts into a dessert to remember!
Each of these pairings adds a delightful twist to your Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts, making your meal deliciously memorable!
Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right yeast for my Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts?
Absolutely! Use active dry yeast, which is vital for that perfect rise. Look for packets that have not expired to ensure it’s still active and bubbly. When you mix it with warm milk, it should froth within minutes if it’s fresh and ready to work its magic in your dough!
What’s the best way to store Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts?
To keep your delicious donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to prolong their life, you can move them to the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 5 days, though they might lose a bit of their fluffiness. Just warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to bring back that soft texture!
Can I freeze Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts? How?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these donuts! Individually wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive that fresh-baked taste.
What’s the best way to troubleshoot dense donuts?
If your donuts turn out dense, it’s often due to under-kneading the dough or using milk that’s too hot. Make sure to knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic—this helps create that light, airy texture. Also, ensure your milk is warm (about 110°F), as overheating can kill the yeast, leading to disappointing results!
Are Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts safe for individuals with nut allergies?
Yes, these donuts can be safe for those with nut allergies! The recipe does not include any nuts. However, always double-check your ingredients, especially the butter and any potential cross-contamination in processing. If you’re preparing for someone with allergies, it’s best to verify that all products used are labeled nut-free.
What should I do if my custard filling isn’t thickening?
If your custard filling isn’t thickening as expected, continue whisking it over medium heat, as patience is key! Make sure you’ve incorporated the cornstarch properly, and if it’s still too runny, you can try adding a little more cornstarch mixed with a bit of milk to help thicken it. Always whisk continuously to avoid lumps!
Irresistible Burnt Honey Brioche Donuts You’ll Crave!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm the Milk: Heat 1 cup of whole milk to about 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over it and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 large egg, mixing well until everything is blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the yeast mixture and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Knead the dough for 10-20 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow to rise for about 1 hour.
- Shape the Donuts: Once risen, punch the dough down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide into equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
- Rest Again: Place the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with a towel. Let them rest for about 30 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry but not smoking.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully place the dough balls into the hot oil in batches, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
- Drain and Sugar: Transfer the fried donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Roll them in granulated sugar while they are still warm.
- Caramelize Honey: In a small pan, caramelize 1/2 cup of honey over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes dark and fragrant.
- Prepare Custard: In a bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks, 1 cup of warmed milk, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in the caramelized honey and whisk over medium heat until thickened. Fold in 1 cup of cold heavy cream.
- Fill the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled, poke a hole in each one and fill them with the custard using a piping bag.
- Serve Warm: For the ultimate experience, serve these donuts warm.