How to Make Buttery Brioche

Indulge in the rich and buttery delight of homemade brioche with this exquisite recipe. Originating from France, brioche is a classic pastry known for its soft, tender crumb and subtly sweet flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an elegant treat any time of day, brioche offers a delightful combination of simplicity and sophistication. With its golden crust and delicate texture, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating your own irresistible brioche, filling your kitchen with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked goodness. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary journey to create a delectable batch of homemade brioche that will captivate your senses.

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
seeds for finish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the rising time.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix them together until well combined.
3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Whisk the ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it by pressing down on it. Divide the dough into desired portions, shaping them into balls, rolls, or a loaf.
7. Sprinkle on seeds if desired
8. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with the kitchen towel and allow it to rise for another 1 hour until it puffs up.
9. Bake the brioche in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Remove the brioche from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your freshly baked homemade brioche! It’s perfect on its own, toasted with a spread of butter, or transformed into delightful sandwiches or French toast.

If you have a bread machine, put all wet ingredients into the bread pan first and then add all the dry ingredients. Choose the sweet bread setting and let the magic happen.