Mini Maple Bacon Brioche Donuts

For the donuts:

• 1 cup Milk, (lukewarm temperature)
• 2 1/4 tsp. Active Dry Yeast (1 envelope)
• 1 tbsp. Brown Sugar
• 3 3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
• 3/4 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 2 Eggs, (whisked, room temperature)
• 4 1/2 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp. Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

For the glaze:

• 2 2/3 cup Powdered Sugar, (more or less (depending on your preference of glaze thickness))
• 2 tbsp. Maple Syrup
• 3 tbsp. Milk
• 4-5 strips of  Bacon, (cooked and chopped into bits)

For the donuts:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, quickly whisk together the warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Set aside for 10-15 minutes, until foamy.
2. In the meantime, thoroughly mix together the flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add in the flour mixture. Mix just until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add in the whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup on medium speed. Mix for 8-10 minutes, until pliable and soft.
4. Finally, decrease the speed to low, then add in the olive oil one tablespoon at a time. Mix on low for 3-4 minutes, then increase speed to medium for an additional 3-4 minutes. The dough should be pliable and smooth.
5. Transfer the dough ball to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm environment for 1-2 hours, until doubled in volume.
6. Once risen, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, then roll it out to be 1/2" thick. Use a ~2" round cutter for each mini doughnut, as well as a milkstraw to cut the holes. Transfer each donut to a small piece of parchment paper (for easy frying), cover with plastic wrap or damp tea towels, and let them rise for 45-50 minutes.
7. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat up 1-2" of oil to 350F (you can also see if it's ready by testing out a donut hole). Cook each donut for 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally to prevent burning. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

For the glaze:

1. Simply mix all ingredients (besides the bacon) together. Add more or less powdered sugar, according to your preferred thickness for the glaze.
2. Dip the very tops of each mini donut into the glaze, then garnish with 1 tsp. bacon bits. Allow them to set for at least 5 minutes, then enjoy!!

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