As the leaves turn golden and the aroma of spiced delights fills the air, my mind drifts to the ultimate comfort food: Thanksgiving Doughnuts. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy brioche doughnut, slightly crisp on the outside, filled with your favorite seasonal flavors, whether it’s creamy pumpkin cheesecake, rich chocolate pudding, or nostalgic apple pie. These doughnuts not only capture the essence of Thanksgiving but also transform your kitchen into a cozy haven that invites sweet gatherings. Plus, they offer the joy of creation—you can customize each doughnut with a variety of fillings and glazes that will impress family and friends alike. Why settle for store-bought treats when you can craft these irresistible doughnuts together? Are you ready to bring a touch of holiday magic to your baking?
Why are These Doughnuts a Must-Try?
Flavor Explosion: Each doughnut showcases a unique filling, from luscious chocolate pudding to spiced apple pie, ensuring every bite is a delightful surprise.
Warm and Cozy: As they bake, your kitchen fills with inviting aromas that embody the very spirit of Thanksgiving, making your home feel extra special.
Easy to Customize: With five different variations, you can tailor these treats to suit any palate, pleasing both family and friends alike.
Perfect for Gatherings: These doughnuts are the ideal crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings, providing a sweet touch that everyone will enjoy.
Time-Efficient: Spend less time in the kitchen with the overnight dough preparation, allowing you to enjoy more moments with loved ones.
Thanksgiving Doughnut Ingredients
Get ready to create these delightful Thanksgiving doughnuts with this essential ingredient list!
For the Brioche Dough
- Bread flour – Offers the best structure and chewiness for fluffy doughnuts.
- Active dry yeast – Vital for a perfect rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal proofing.
- Milk – Adds richness; warm for activating the yeast effectively.
- Sugar – Sweetens the dough; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Butter – Provides a tender, rich texture; use unsalted for better flavor control.
- Eggs – Contributes to the dough’s structure; use room temperature for easier incorporation.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
For the Fillings
- Pumpkin cheesecake filling – A creamy mix that brings a festive flavor; ensure to reduce pumpkin puree for texture.
- Chocolate pudding filling – Silky and decadent; make it rich using high-quality dark chocolate.
- Apple pie filling – A spiced blend that evokes nostalgia; cook down apples for easy stuffing.
- Vanilla bean pastry cream – Rich and custard-like; complements other fillings beautifully.
For the Glazes
- Pumpkin spice sugar – Adds warmth and sweetness; substitute with cinnamon sugar if preferred.
- Apple cider glaze – A delightful mix of reduced cider and powdered sugar, perfect for fall flavors.
- Maple glaze – Simple yet delicious, made from powdered sugar and maple syrup for a seasonal touch.
Feel free to explore these ingredients to create your own Thanksgiving doughnuts that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Step 1: Make the Brioche Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, yeast, warm milk, eggs, and salt. Knead the mixture for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough proof in a warm place for about 1–2 hours until it doubles in size. For easier handling, you can also refrigerate the dough overnight.
Step 2: Prepare Fillings
While the brioche dough is rising, prepare your fillings. For the pumpkin cheesecake, whip cream cheese with vanilla and spices, then fold in reduced pumpkin puree until smooth. For chocolate pudding, heat milk and heavy cream, then slowly whisk in egg yolks mixed with sugar, and cook until thickened. Don’t forget to simmer your apples with spices for the apple pie filling and make the vanilla bean pastry cream as well.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Doughnuts
Once the brioche dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness on a floured countertop. Use a doughnut cutter to cut out shapes, or fill a piping bag with your chosen filling and inject it into the dough. Let the shaped doughnuts proof again for 30 minutes, covering them with a kitchen towel to avoid drafts.
Step 4: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the doughnuts to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each doughnut for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, using a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 190°F (90°C). Remove them carefully and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Glaze the Doughnuts
While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in pumpkin spice sugar or dip them into your desired glaze for maximum flavor adherence. For the apple cider glaze, combine reduced apple cider with powdered sugar to create a smooth mixture. For maple glaze, simply mix powdered sugar with maple syrup until it’s pourable.
Step 6: Serve Warm
These Thanksgiving doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer. Serve them warm on a platter alongside a steaming cup of coffee or spiced cider, allowing everyone to indulge in the fluffy goodness that captures the essence of Thanksgiving.
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Doughnuts
As the aroma of freshly made doughnuts fills the air, think of side dishes that will enhance your cozy holiday feasting experience.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider complements the sweetness of the doughnuts, evoking the flavors of fall and Thanksgiving festivities. It’s the ultimate comfort drink for those chilly evenings.
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Creamy Pumpkin Soup: A velvety pumpkin soup with a hint of nutmeg balances the sweetness of the doughnuts while also warming up your palate, creating a lovely fall-inspired meal.
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Maple Bacon Sausages: Savory maple-infused sausages bring a delicious contrast to the sweet doughnuts, combining smoky and sweet flavors that are truly delightful together.
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Roasted Brussel Sprouts: Crisp and slightly caramelized, roasted Brussel sprouts provide a nutty crunch that complements the soft texture of the doughnuts, adding an element of freshness to your table.
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Pecan Pie: For dessert, rich pecan pie serves as a nostalgic treat, bringing in the classic flavors of Thanksgiving that harmonize beautifully with the doughnut experience.
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Chai Tea: Enjoy a warm cup of spiced chai tea, which brings a cozy warmth to your gathering while its spices mirror the comforting flavors of the doughnuts.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream paired with warm doughnuts creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture, making it an indulgent treat.
Each of these pairings ensures a memorable Thanksgiving celebration where flavors, aromas, and textures come together harmoniously.
Make Ahead Options
These Thanksgiving Doughnuts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor the season while saving time in the kitchen! You can prepare the brioche dough up to 24 hours in advance by refrigerating it overnight after the first proofing—this not only makes handling easier but also enhances the flavor. Additionally, the fillings can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in airtight containers, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful. When ready to enjoy, simply shape and fry the doughnuts, glaze them while warm, and serve immediately for that delightful, fresh-out-of-the-oil experience. You’ll have delicious Thanksgiving Doughnuts that taste just as scrumptious, made with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Thanksgiving doughnuts fresh on the day of baking for the best flavor and texture; they are simply delightful when warm.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days to maintain freshness, but they may lose some fluffiness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the doughnuts before glazing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before glazing.
Reheating: To enjoy leftover doughnuts, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through, restoring their delightful texture.
Expert Tips for Thanksgiving Doughnuts
- Chill the Dough: Ensure your dough is cold before cutting to achieve neat edges and maintain shape during frying.
- Thermometer Use: Utilize a kitchen thermometer to check that your doughnuts reach an internal temperature of 190°F (90°C) for perfect doneness.
- Re-roll Wisely: Instead of discarding scraps, re-roll them to create doughnut holes or additional doughnuts, minimizing waste.
- Flavor First: Make your fillings a day ahead to enhance flavors and allow them to set, leading to even more delicious Thanksgiving doughnuts.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot while frying to maintain oil temperature; this helps achieve crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors.
Thanksgiving Doughnuts: Delightful Variations
Customize your Thanksgiving doughnuts with these easy and delicious variations that will elevate your baking game!
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk in the brioche and replace butter with a dairy-free alternative for a similar fluffy texture.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these doughnuts suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum for elasticity.
- Spiced Twist: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for an aromatic depth that enhances the holiday flavors and surprises your taste buds.
- Crispy Coating: After frying, roll your doughnuts in crushed nuts or toasted coconut flakes for a delightful crunch that beautifully contrasts with the soft interior.
- Heat Things Up: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into your chocolate pudding filling for an unexpected spicy kick that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Lemon Glaze: Replace the apple cider glaze with a zesty lemon glaze for a refreshing twist that cuts through the sweetness, offering a bright contrast.
- Chocolate-Pecan Filling: Whip up a chocolate-pecan filling by mixing crushed pecans into the chocolate pudding—perfect for nut lovers!
- Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy filling, combine cream cheese with pumpkin spice and a touch of maple syrup for a rich, festive flavor.
Experimenting with these variations not only keeps your Thanksgiving celebrations fresh and exciting, but they also allow you to showcase your culinary creativity to family and friends. These doughnuts are perfect for serving alongside a warm cup of spiced cider or even some homemade vanilla bean ice cream, making your holiday gatherings even more special!
Thanksgiving Doughnuts Recipe FAQs
What type of flour is best for brioche dough?
For these Thanksgiving doughnuts, I highly recommend using bread flour. It provides the best structure and chewiness, giving your brioche that fluffy texture everyone loves. All-purpose flour can work in a pinch, but bread flour truly elevates the doughnut!
How do I properly store leftover doughnuts?
To maintain freshness, store any leftover Thanksgiving doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to enjoy them later, you can refrigerate them, although they may lose some of their fluffiness. Just remember to reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to restore their delightful texture!
Can I freeze the doughnuts?
Absolutely! To freeze your Thanksgiving doughnuts, do so before glazing. Wrap each doughnut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before glazing and serving!
What should I do if my doughnuts absorb too much oil while frying?
If you notice that your doughnuts are absorbing too much oil, it could be due to the oil temperature being too low. Always check with a thermometer to ensure the oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) before adding doughnuts. Fry in small batches to maintain even temperature, as overcrowding can cause the oil to drop too much during cooking.
Are there any allergy considerations for these doughnuts?
Yes, these Thanksgiving doughnuts contain several ingredients that may trigger allergies, including gluten (from bread flour), dairy (from milk and butter), and eggs. For dairy-free options, you can use plant-based milk and butter alternatives, and for a gluten-free version, try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet dietary needs!
Thanksgiving Doughnuts: Irresistibly Fluffy Seasonal Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, yeast, warm milk, eggs, and salt. Knead the mixture for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough proof in a warm place for about 1–2 hours until it doubles in size. For easier handling, you can also refrigerate the dough overnight.
- While the brioche dough is rising, prepare your fillings. For the pumpkin cheesecake, whip cream cheese with vanilla and spices, then fold in reduced pumpkin puree until smooth. For chocolate pudding, heat milk and heavy cream, then slowly whisk in egg yolks mixed with sugar, and cook until thickened. Don’t forget to simmer your apples with spices for the apple pie filling and make the vanilla bean pastry cream as well.
- Once the brioche dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness on a floured countertop. Use a doughnut cutter to cut out shapes, or fill a piping bag with your chosen filling and inject it into the dough. Let the shaped doughnuts proof again for 30 minutes, covering them with a kitchen towel to avoid drafts.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the doughnuts to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each doughnut for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, using a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 190°F (90°C). Remove them carefully and drain on paper towels.
- While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in pumpkin spice sugar or dip them into your desired glaze for maximum flavor adherence. For the apple cider glaze, combine reduced apple cider with powdered sugar to create a smooth mixture. For maple glaze, simply mix powdered sugar with maple syrup until it’s pourable.
- These Thanksgiving doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer. Serve them warm on a platter alongside a steaming cup of coffee or spiced cider, allowing everyone to indulge in the fluffy goodness that captures the essence of Thanksgiving.
