Brioche Loaf or Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 60g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 10g (1 packet or 2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 120ml (1/2 cup) whole milk, room temperature
- 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Attach the dough hook and begin mixing on a low setting.
Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients
Gradually add in the eggs and milk to the dry ingredients while the mixer is running on low. Once the mixture starts coming together, increase the speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Incorporating the Butter
With the mixer on medium speed, add softened butter, a few tablespoons at a time. Ensure each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Knead for 10 more minutes until the dough becomes glossy and smooth.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shaping the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. For rolls, divide the dough into 12 equal parts, roll into balls, and place on a baking sheet. For a loaf, shape into a tight oval and place in a greased loaf pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough with plastic wrap and let rise for another hour until visibly risen and puffy.
Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Prepare an egg wash by whisking the remaining egg and lightly brushing it over the dough’s surface. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes, and a loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have mastered the art of making brioche. The delicious aroma fills your kitchen as the final product emerges—a soft, buttery triumph. Enjoy it warm from the oven, or wait to savor its flavors as it cools. Your patience and skill have transformed simple ingredients into a masterpiece. Relish this bread on its own, or use it to create a decadent French toast. Don’t forget to share this joy with your loved ones, as brioche is best appreciated in good company. Happy baking!