CHOCOLATE BRIOCHE DONUTS

Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Sharp cutter (round, about 3 inches wide)
• Candy thermometer (optional but helpful for frying)
• Baking sheet lined with paper towels
• Piping bag with filling tip (for filling with chocolate)

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How to Make Chocolate Brioche Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add Milk and Eggs: With the mixer on low speed, add the warm milk and eggs, mixing until combined.
3. Incorporate Butter: Gradually add the softened butter, one cube at a time, until fully incorporated. Continue mixing on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Shape and Second Rise

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air, then roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Cut the Donuts: Use a round cutter to cut out donut shapes. Place each cut piece onto a lined baking sheet.
3. Let Rise Again: Cover the donuts lightly with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until puffed.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Filling

1. Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
2. Melt Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl, let sit for a minute, then add butter and stir until smooth and melted.
3. Let Cool: Allow the chocolate filling to cool slightly, then transfer to a piping bag fitted with a filling tip.

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

1. Heat Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
2. Fry Donuts: Carefully add the donuts to the hot oil, frying 1-2 at a time for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
3. Drain and Cool: Remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Fill and Coat the Donuts

1. Fill with Chocolate: Once cooled, use the piping bag to fill each donut with the chocolate filling by inserting the tip into the side of the donut and squeezing gently.
2. Dust with Sugar: Roll the donuts in powdered sugar or granulated sugar for a final touch of sweetness.

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Tips for Perfect Chocolate Brioche Donuts

• Don’t Overheat the Oil: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to avoid overcooking or undercooking the donuts.
• Proper Dough Rising: Be patient with the dough rise times—this is what gives brioche donuts their light and fluffy texture.
• Chocolate Variations: Try using dark chocolate or milk chocolate, or even a hazelnut spread for a different filling option.

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