There’s nothing quite like the moment when you lift a freshly baked Vanilla Shortbread Brioche Doughnut to your lips and revel in that delicate crunch before sinking your teeth into the soft, pillowy interior. It’s like a hug for your taste buds! These treats were born out of a lazy weekend morning when I had a sudden craving for something indulgent yet comforting.
As I rummaged through my pantry, I found some vanilla beans and a few other ingredients just waiting to be transformed into sweet bites of happiness. Trust me, once you master this doughnut recipe, you’ll be the star of any brunch gathering. The flavor is exquisite, thanks to the infusion of real vanilla, while the airy brioche dough makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, allowing you to bring a little bit of bakery magic right into your home kitchen!
Why Love Vanilla Shortbread Brioche Doughnuts?
Irresistible, these doughnuts are a delightful blend of textures, featuring a crunchy exterior and a soft, airy interior that will leave you craving more. Simple preparation allows anyone, from novice bakers to seasoned chefs, to recreate these treats at home. Versatile flavors give you the freedom to experiment with different fillings or toppings. Perfect for gatherings, they instantly elevate any brunch or dessert table. Plus, pairing them with a side of homemade custard adds a dash of elegance to your indulgence!
Vanilla Shortbread Brioche Doughnuts Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This provides the perfect base for a fluffy brioche texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough beautifully without overpowering the vanilla flavor.
- 1 tsp active dry yeast – Essential for that airy lift, making your doughnuts light and fluffy.
- ½ tsp kosher salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed – Helps activate the yeast for a quick rise.
- 3 large eggs – Adds richness and moisture, creating a soft crumb.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Brings a delightful richness that makes these treats truly indulgent.
For the Vanilla Shortbread Topping
- ½ cup (100 g) unsalted butter, softened – A luscious base for your sweet shortbread topping.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Contributes a lovely sweetness and smooth texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Ensures the topping has just the right amount of crunch.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – Infuses your topping with the unmistakable depth of real vanilla.
Pairing your Vanilla Shortbread Brioche Doughnuts with a dollop of creamy custard transforms these sweet bites into a truly elegant dessert or snack!
How to Make Custard
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Whisk Together: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until you achieve a smooth mixture. This will be the luscious base of your custard.
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Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, warm the whole milk and scraped vanilla bean seeds over medium heat. Continue until steaming but not boiling—just shy of a simmer. This step releases the wonderful aroma of vanilla!
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Temper the Eggs: While constantly whisking the yolk mixture, slowly drizzle in about 1 cup of the hot milk. This technique prevents the eggs from scrambling, ensuring a creamy texture.
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Combine & Cook: Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking non-stop for 5–7 minutes, until the custard bubbles and thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
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Melt the Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the cubed unsalted butter until it’s fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This adds richness to your custard!
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Strain & Chill: Press the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to catch any lumps. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the fridge until set.
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Add the Topping: Once chilled, sprinkle some crushed vanilla shortbread cookies on top for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Custard
Fridge: Store covered custard in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze custard in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Reheating: Gently reheat custard in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much after freezing.
Usage Tip: Pair your chilled or warmed custard with the delightful Vanilla Shortbread Brioche Doughnuts for a scrumptious dessert experience!
Vanilla Shortbread Brioche Doughnuts Variations
Customize your custard experience with these playful variations; let’s take your doughnuts to a whole new level of delight!
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Chocolate Twist: Replace half of the milk with heavy cream and add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey custard. It’s a dreamy combination!
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Citrus Zest: Grate in some lemon or orange zest to bring a refreshing brightness to your custard. This will complement the sweetness beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note, creating a cozy atmosphere with every bite. Perfect for chilly mornings!
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Caramel Infusion: Swirl in a few tablespoons of caramel sauce once the custard is cooked, giving it a decadent richness that pairs wonderfully with your doughnuts.
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Nutty Flavor: Substitute the vanilla bean with 1 teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty twist that adds depth and warmth to your custard.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil for a creamy, dairy-free option that’s just as delicious!
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Herbal Notes: Infuse your milk with fresh herbs like basil or mint while warming for an unexpected flavor profile that will surprise and delight the senses!
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Fruit-Infused: Stir in pureed berries or a touch of fruit puree after cooking to create a fruit-flavored custard that gives a fresh beat to your doughnuts.
What to Serve with Custard?
Indulging in a silky custard opens the door to endless pairing possibilities, making every bite a celebration of flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast that beautifully balances the creamy sweetness of custard.
- Butter Cookies: These crunchy treats add a delightful texture and simple flavor, making your dessert experience more enjoyable.
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce elevates the custard, adding a touch of decadence perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Caramelized Bananas: The warm, sweet bananas bring a comforting element that perfectly complements the cool creaminess.
- Spiced Apples: Warm spiced apples create a cozy pairing, giving your custard a comforting autumn essence.
- Vanilla Shortbread Brioche Doughnuts: Pairing with doughnuts adds a whimsical touch, making for an elegant dessert that delights every palate.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a lightness and luxurious creaminess, effortlessly enhancing the custard.
- Chai Tea: The warm, spiced flavors of chai provide a fragrant beverage option that pairs beautifully with custard’s richness.
- Almond Biscotti: The crunch of biscotti serves as the perfect complement to creamy custard, enhancing every spoonful’s enjoyment.
- Lemon Sorbet: The zingy sorbet refreshes the palate, providing a bright contrast to the rich, velvety custard.
Helpful Tricks for Custard
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Don’t Rush Tempering: Slowly drizzle the hot milk into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This avoids scrambling and ensures a smooth custard.
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Watch the Heat: Keep the heat low while cooking the custard. Too high can cause the eggs to overcook, resulting in a lumpy texture.
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Use a Fine-Mesh Sieve: Straining the custard helps catch any lumps and guarantees a silky finish. A smooth custard is key to your Vanilla Shortbread Brioche Doughnuts!
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Prevent Skin Formation: Cover the custard with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to prevent a skin from forming as it chills.
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Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with flavorings like almond extract or citrus zest, elevating the taste of your accompaniment for the doughnuts!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Vanilla Shortbread Brioche Doughnuts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the custard up to 3 days in advance; simply follow the recipe, strain it, and refrigerate in an airtight container. To maintain its creamy texture, place plastic wrap directly on the surface before chilling. The doughnuts can also be shaped and frozen for up to 24 hours; just be sure to thaw them before baking. When you’re ready to serve, finish by sprinkling crushed vanilla shortbread cookies on top for that perfect finishing touch. This way, you’ll have delicious, bakery-fresh doughnuts ready to enjoy with minimal effort!
Custard Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my eggs are fresh enough for this custard?
Absolutely! To check the freshness of eggs, simply place them in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay flat, while older eggs will stand upright or float. Using fresh eggs is key to ensuring a smooth, creamy custard!
What’s the best way to store homemade custard?
Very! Store covered custard in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. This helps maintain its luscious, creamy texture. If you see any signs of separation, give it a gentle stir before serving.
Can I freeze custard for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze custard in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply put it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. If it thickens too much during thawing, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
How can I avoid lumps in my custard?
The more the merrier! To ensure a silky smooth custard, make sure to whisk constantly while tempering your egg mixture to prevent them from cooking too quickly. Also, straining the custard through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking captures any lumps and guarantees a luxurious finish.
Is there a dairy-free option for this custard recipe?
Certainly! Substitute whole milk with any dairy-free milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk. You can also use a plant-based butter alternative to maintain creaminess. Just be mindful that the consistency and flavor may slightly vary, so adjust sweetness to your taste!
Is custard safe for pets?
Very! While custard is not toxic to pets, it contains sugars and fats that may not suit all pets, particularly lactose-intolerant dogs or cats. It’s best to keep it as a special treat in small amounts and ensure they do not have allergies to any ingredients used!
Irresistible Vanilla Shortbread Brioche Doughnuts at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until you achieve a smooth mixture.
- In a medium saucepan, warm the whole milk and scraped vanilla bean seeds over medium heat until steaming, but not boiling.
- While constantly whisking the yolk mixture, slowly drizzle in about 1 cup of the hot milk.
- Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cook over medium-low heat, whisking non-stop for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the cubed unsalted butter until melted and smooth.
- Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to catch any lumps, then cover and chill in the fridge until set.
- Once chilled, sprinkle some crushed vanilla shortbread cookies on top and serve with the doughnuts.