Fluffy Brioche Donuts with Creamy Chocolate Filling

These are not your average donuts we’re talking pillowy-soft brioche rounds, fried to golden perfection, and stuffed with a silky, dreamy chocolate filling that oozes with every bite. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug on a cold morning or the reward you deserve after a long day. Trust me, once you try these Fluffy Brioche Donuts with Creamy Chocolate Filling, you’ll be hooked. They’re bakery-level delicious but made right in your own kitchen no fancy equipment needed, just a little love and a lot of yum.

Why You’ll Love Fluffy Brioche Donuts with Creamy Chocolate Filling

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family breakfast, a special brunch with friends, or treating yourself on a lazy Sunday, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime sweet snack
Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry ingredients but feels extra fancy
Quick and Easy: Okay, they need some rising time but the hands-on work is simple and fun
Customizable: Swap the chocolate for jam, custard, or Nutella if you’re feeling adventurous
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s what goes into creating these indulgent, fluffy bites of heaven:

Brioche Dough:
All-purpose Flour: Forms the soft, tender structure of our donuts
Sugar: Just enough sweetness in the dough to balance the rich filling
Instant Yeast: Gives the donuts their rise and airy texture
Milk: Warmed to activate the yeast and keep things tender
Eggs: Add richness and help create that luxurious brioche feel
Butter: Softened and mixed in for that melt-in-your-mouth quality
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor

Chocolate Filling:
Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melts into a smooth, creamy center
Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, ganache-like texture
Butter: Adds a silky finish to the filling
Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor and adds a touch of warmth

For Frying & Finishing:
Vegetable Oil: For deep frying to golden perfection
Granulated Sugar: To coat the donuts for that classic sparkle

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment:

Not much to preheat early on, but make sure you have a warm, draft-free space ready for the dough to rise.

Make the Dough:

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy. Add eggs, flour, and salt, then knead until smooth. Add butter gradually, kneading until glossy and elastic.

Let It Rise:

Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Donuts:

Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a donut cutter or glass. Place on parchment-lined trays and let rise again until puffy (about 30–45 minutes).

Heat the Oil:

In a deep pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the donuts in, a few at a time, and fry until golden on both sides about 1–2 minutes per side.

Coat and Cool:

Drain the donuts on paper towels and roll them in granulated sugar while still warm.

Make the Filling:

While the donuts cool, heat the cream until hot but not boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate and butter, stir until smooth, and let it thicken slightly.

Fill the Donuts:

Use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to poke and fill each donut with the chocolate cream. Give them a little squeeze to make sure they’re stuffed with goodness.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve immediately while the filling is soft and gooey. Pure bliss.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 290

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours (including rising)

How to Serve Fluffy Brioche Donuts with Creamy Chocolate Filling

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk
• A sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa on top
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel for extra indulgence
• Serve alongside fresh berries for a little contrast
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert plate

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Make sure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free place it’s key to a fluffy texture
• Don’t overwork the dough once the butter is added or it’ll lose its lightness
• Use a thermometer to keep oil temperature steady during frying
• Fill the donuts while still slightly warm for the smoothest texture
• Store unfilled donuts in an airtight container and fill right before serving

FAQ’s

1 Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise, then continue in the morning.

2 Can I bake these instead of frying?
Technically yes, but they’ll be more like soft rolls than donuts. Frying gives the best texture.

3 What kind of chocolate works best for the filling?
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate melts best and balances the sweetness beautifully.

4 Can I freeze the donuts?
Freeze them unfried after shaping. Let them thaw and rise again before frying.

5 How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
Use a thermometer or drop in a small piece of dough it should sizzle and rise quickly.

6 Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! Jam, custard, Nutella, or even lemon curd are amazing alternatives.

7 Why are my donuts greasy?
Your oil might be too cold always keep it around 350°F to avoid soggy donuts.

8 Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure you have enough space for rising and frying in batches.

9 How long do they stay fresh?
Best eaten the day they’re made, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

10 What’s the best way to pipe in the filling?
Use a piping bag with a long round tip and insert into the side or bottom of each donut.

Conclusion

Fluffy Brioche Donuts with Creamy Chocolate Filling are everything you dream of in a sweet treat — light, tender dough on the outside, rich and gooey goodness on the inside. They’re the kind of dessert that feels like a little celebration every time you bite into one. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them solo (we won’t tell), these donuts are sure to bring a little extra joy to your day.

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