Description
Indulgent French Brioche Recipe weaves buttery elegance into each golden slice, promising pure bakery magic. Silky dough rises with delicate charm, inviting you to savor rich layers of comfort baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters/2 fluid ounces) whole milk
Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- In a stand mixer with dough hook, blend flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Incorporate eggs and milk, mixing until a rough, uneven dough emerges.
- Introduce softened butter gradually, allowing each portion to fully integrate. Knead at medium speed for 8-10 minutes until the dough transforms into a smooth, slightly tacky consistency with excellent elasticity.
- Transfer dough to a generously greased container, envelop with plastic wrap, and permit fermentation in a warm environment for 1-2 hours, watching for volume expansion to approximately double its original size.
- Deflate the dough by gently pressing down. Migrate onto a lightly dusted work surface and craft into a traditional loaf shape or smaller individual rolls. Position carefully in a buttered loaf pan or positioned strategically on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drape a pristine kitchen towel over the shaped dough, allowing a secondary proofing period of 45-60 minutes. The dough should appear puffy and responsive when gently touched.
- Prepare an egg wash by whisking egg and milk together. Delicately brush the surface of the shaped brioche, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes or rolls for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until a rich golden hue develops and tapping the bottom produces a hollow acoustic response.
- Remove from oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Allow complete cooling before slicing to maintain structural integrity and optimal texture.
Notes
- Warm environments help activate yeast faster, so place the dough in a slightly heated area like near a preheated oven or warm sunlight for optimal rising.
- Softened butter is crucial for achieving a silky, smooth texture; ensure it’s at room temperature but not melted to prevent greasy bread.
- For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with a high-quality gluten-free bread flour blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
- Enhance flavor by incorporating vanilla extract, orange zest, or dried herbs into the dough for a personalized touch without compromising the classic brioche texture.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg