Apple Pie Brioche Donuts Recipe
These Apple Pie Brioche Donuts combine the rich, buttery texture of brioche with a warm apple pie filling and a cinnamon sugar coating. Fried to golden perfection, these donuts offer a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors in every bite, perfect for a decadent breakfast or dessert treat.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 filled donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Brioche Donuts
- 80 g whole milk (⅓ cup)
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 180 g bread flour (1 ½ cups)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 56 g unsalted butter (4 tbsp), room temperature
- Vegetable oil for frying
Filling
- 250 g apple pie filling (1 cup + 2 tbsp)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 150 g granulated sugar (¾ cup)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, warm the whole milk to lukewarm and stir in the active dry yeast along with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt to distribute evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Flour: Add the yeast mixture, egg, and room temperature unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms that is smooth and elastic. Knead for about 8-10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Donuts and Add Filling: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into about ½ inch thick. Cut out donut shapes using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters. Place a small spoonful of apple pie filling onto one donut piece, then top with another donut piece and seal the edges well to encase the filling. Repeat for all donuts.
- Second Rise: Place filled donuts on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy pot to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.
- Fry Donuts: Carefully fry the donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Coat: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve: Enjoy the apple pie brioche donuts warm for the best flavor experience. They are perfect on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea.
Notes
- You can substitute apple pie filling with homemade cooked apples seasoned with cinnamon and sugar for a fresher taste.
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
- If you don’t have a donut cutter, use round cookie cutters or cups for shaping.
- Leftover donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and lightly reheated before serving.
- This dough can also be baked instead of fried for a lighter version—bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Keywords: Apple Pie, Brioche Donuts, Fried Donuts, Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Sweet Treat, Dessert, Homemade Donuts