Thanksgiving Doughnuts Recipe

When you think of Thanksgiving, doughnuts might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but these Thanksgiving Doughnuts are about to change that! Picture this: fluffy, golden-brown brioche doughnuts coated in pumpkin spice sugar and filled with a creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling. These doughnuts are the perfect treat to add a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving spread or to enjoy during the holiday season. Packed with the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and vanilla, these doughnuts will become a new holiday tradition. Let’s dive into the recipe and see what makes these doughnuts so special!

What Makes These Thanksgiving Doughnuts Special?

These Thanksgiving Doughnuts are not your average doughnuts; they are an indulgent treat with a holiday twist. Made with a rich, buttery brioche dough, they are light, fluffy, and have a slightly crisp exterior. The dough is infused with a hint of vanilla, while the doughnuts are coated in a delicious pumpkin spice sugar that adds a warm, comforting flavor. To top it all off, they are filled with a decadent pumpkin cheesecake filling, which brings together the tanginess of cream cheese, the smoothness of pumpkin puree, and the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making these doughnuts perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Thanksgiving Doughnuts

To make these delectable Thanksgiving Doughnuts, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Brioche Dough:

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 250g whole milk, lukewarm
• 4 Tbsp (50g) sugar
• 565g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 100g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• Neutral oil for frying

For the Pumpkin Spice Sugar:

• 200g granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling:

• 280g pumpkin puree (use 200g reduced in the filling)
• 450g cream cheese, softened
• 100g powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla bean paste
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of salt

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make these Thanksgiving Doughnuts, you will need some basic kitchen equipment:

• Stand mixer with a dough hook attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan
• Heavy-bottomed pot or cast iron skillet for frying
• Cooking thermometer
• Piping bag with a round tip
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Slotted spoon

How to Make the Perfect Brioche Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the active dry yeast, lukewarm milk, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.
2. Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Briefly mix to combine. Add the eggs, vanilla bean paste, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes until the dough begins to come together. At this point, the dough may look slightly dry, but don’t worry—it will come together during the next steps.
3. Incorporate the Butter: Increase the mixer speed to medium and mix for 5 minutes until the dough becomes soft and smooth. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the unsalted butter, a little at a time, waiting until each piece is fully incorporated before adding the next. This process should take about 3-4 minutes. Once all the butter is mixed in, increase the speed to medium again and mix for another 5 minutes, until the dough is very soft and smooth.
4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge for at least 3 hours or up to overnight. You can also let it rise at room temperature if you prefer.
5. Shape the Doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a work surface without using additional flour. Divide the dough into 75g portions and roll each piece into a tight ball, ensuring they are well-sealed at the bottom.
6. Second Rise: Place the rolled doughnuts on parchment-lined baking sheets, flattening each one slightly and leaving space between them. Allow the doughnuts to proof for a second time. This can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the temperature. When gently poked, the dough should spring back slightly.

Preparing the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

1. Reduce the Pumpkin Puree: Place the pumpkin puree in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and reduces in volume. Set aside to cool and measure out 200g of the reduced pumpkin puree.
2. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the reduced pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Use a rubber spatula to stir until incorporated, then switch to a whisk and whip until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to mix until well combined.

Frying Tips for Light and Fluffy Doughnuts

1. Heat the Oil: Pour neutral oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or cast iron skillet until it reaches about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (180°C), using a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature.
2. Fry the Doughnuts: Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, test it with a small piece of dough. Gently lower the doughnuts, two at a time, into the hot oil. Fry for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and fry for an additional 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
3. Drain and Cool: Remove the doughnuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow the doughnuts to cool for about 30 seconds, then toss them in the pumpkin spice sugar while still warm.

Assembly and Filling: Bringing It All Together

1. Create the Filling Hole: Once the doughnuts are completely cool, use a chopstick or similar tool to poke a hole in each doughnut. Widen the hole using your finger to create enough space for the filling.
2. Fill the Doughnuts: Transfer the pumpkin cheesecake filling into a piping bag fitted with a round attachment. Pipe the filling into each doughnut until it slightly oozes out of the top. Finish with a small dollop of filling on top for a decorative touch.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

Serve these doughnuts fresh on a decorative platter or wooden board for a rustic, holiday-inspired presentation. Sprinkle with extra pumpkin spice sugar for a festive touch, or garnish with a cinnamon stick or a few pumpkin seeds. Pair them with a hot cup of spiced tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy autumn treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Thanksgiving Doughnuts

• Overproofing the Dough: Ensure you monitor the dough during both proofing stages. Overproofed dough can lead to dense and oily doughnuts.
• Incorrect Oil Temperature: Too hot or too cold oil can result in unevenly cooked doughnuts. Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent 350°F (180°C).
• Adding All the Butter at Once: Gradually adding butter to the dough allows it to incorporate fully and results in a smoother dough.

Storing and Enjoying Leftovers

Thanksgiving doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warm. Alternatively, freeze unfilled doughnuts for up to 1 month and reheat them as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Doughnuts

• Can I make these doughnuts in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. The filling can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Can I use a different filling? Absolutely! Swap out the pumpkin cheesecake filling for a classic vanilla cream or chocolate ganache if preferred.
• How do I make them gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Note that texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Now that you have this incredible recipe for Thanksgiving Doughnuts, it’s time to bring some festive flavor to your holiday celebrations! Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start baking these delicious treats. If you love this recipe, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delightful holiday recipes!

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