17 Apr 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 120 min
Ingredients:
1 tsp yeast
1/4 cup milk (1% fat)
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1 egg
2 tbsp sugar
Brioche is a delectable French bread known for its rich and buttery texture. It's a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own, as a base for French toast, or as part of a dessert. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making this delightful bread with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, warm the 1/4 cup of milk until it's just lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C).
- Sprinkle the 1 tsp of yeast over the warm milk and add 1 tbsp of the sugar. Stir gently to combine.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tsp of salt. Mix well.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, lightly whisk the egg to break it up.
4. Form the Dough:
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture and the whisked egg into the well.
- Gradually combine the dry and wet ingredients using a spatula or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, 1 tbsp at a time.
6. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the gases.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into your desired form. You can make a loaf, rolls, or braid it for a traditional brioche look.
8. Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan.
- Cover again with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it has almost doubled in size.
9. Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Egg Wash (Optional):
- For a shiny, golden crust, beat another egg and brush it lightly over the top of the dough before baking.
11. Bake:
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If baking a loaf, it may take slightly longer; check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center - it should come out clean.
12. Cool:
- Remove the brioche from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps in achieving a smooth dough and better incorporation of the ingredients.
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurement of ingredients. Precision is key in baking.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment to ensure it reaches its full volume.
- If you don't have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic, but be prepared for a bit of an arm workout.
- When baking, keep an eye on the brioche in the final minutes of baking, as ovens can vary, and you don't want it to become too dark.
Congratulations on baking your own brioche! Whether you're enjoying it fresh out of the oven or saving it for a special breakfast, this fluffy and buttery bread is sure to impress. With practice and these helpful tips, you'll be able to perfect your brioche baking skills and perhaps even experiment with different flavors and fillings.