This milk brioche is incredibly fluffy and super soft, making it the perfect treat for breakfast or a sweet snack. The rich, buttery flavor combined with its light, airy texture will make it a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 500g (4 cups) bread flour
- 70g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
- 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
- 3 large eggs
- 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the milk and yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Incorporate the Butter:
- Gradually add the softened butter to the dough, a little at a time, and continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and glossy. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal portions (you can decide on the size and shape – individual rolls or a single loaf).
- Shape each portion into a ball or desired shape and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Egg Wash:
- Beat the remaining egg and gently brush it over the top of the risen dough. This will give your brioche a beautiful golden color.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes for rolls or 30-35 minutes for a loaf, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool:
- Remove the brioche from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- For an extra fluffy texture, you can let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator during the first rise.
- Add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to the dough for a delicious variation.
- Brioche can be served plain, with butter, or as a base for sweet or savory sandwiches.
Enjoy your homemade milk brioche!
