Milk brioche is a delightful, soft, and buttery bread that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat. This recipe combines the rich flavors of milk, butter, and eggs to create a fluffy and slightly sweet bread that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you create delicious milk brioche that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make milk brioche:
- 500ml (2 cups) warm milk
- 7g (1 1/2 tsp) dry yeast
- 100g (0.5 cup) brown sugar
- 60ml (0.3 cup) oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 750g (6 cups) flour
- 50g (0.2 cup) butter, softened
For coating and topping:
- 1 egg yolk
- 15ml (1 tbsp) milk
- 20g sesame seeds
Method
Step 1: Preparing the Yeast Mixture
Begin by pouring the warm milk into a deep bowl. Add the brown sugar and dry yeast to the milk, stirring gently to combine. Cover the bowl and let the mixture stand for about 15 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and the mixture should become frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is alive and active.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
After the yeast mixture has rested, add the oil, vinegar, salt, and eggs to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, about one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough should start to come together but remain slightly sticky.
Step 3: Kneading the Dough
Once all the flour is incorporated, add the cubes of softened butter to the dough. Knead the dough thoroughly, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes. The dough will be slightly sticky, but should not stick to your hands excessively.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough stand in a warm place for about 2 hours. The dough should double in size during this time, becoming light and airy.
Step 5: Shaping the Brioche
After the dough has risen, gently deflate it and divide it into 9 equal portions, each weighing about 170 grams. Shape each portion into a smooth ball by folding the dough under itself to create surface tension. Arrange the balls on a baking tray lined with baking paper, leaving some space between each ball to allow for expansion.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough balls with a kitchen cloth and let them stand for another 30 minutes. This second rise allows the dough to relax and expand, resulting in a lighter and fluffier brioche.
Step 7: Preparing for Baking
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). In a small bowl, mix together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each brioche ball with the egg wash, ensuring an even coating. Sprinkle the sesame seeds generously over the top of the brioches.
Step 8: Baking
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the brioches for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The sesame seeds should be nicely toasted, adding a delightful crunch and flavor to the brioches.
Step 9: Cooling and Serving
Once the brioches are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving, although they are also delicious when slightly warm. Serve the milk brioche with butter, jam, or any other topping of your choice. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips and Variations
- Butter Incorporation: Ensure that the butter is softened before adding it to the dough. This helps it incorporate more easily and evenly into the dough.
- Flour Adjustment: Depending on the humidity and the type of flour you use, you may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Flavor Enhancements: For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or grated citrus zest (such as lemon or orange) to the dough.
- Sweet Brioche: If you prefer a sweeter brioche, increase the amount of sugar to 150 grams (3/4 cup). You can also add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough before shaping it into balls.
- Savory Brioche: For a savory twist, reduce the sugar to 50 grams (1/4 cup) and add grated cheese, herbs, or spices to the dough.
Conclusion
Milk brioche is a versatile and delicious bread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With its soft, fluffy texture and rich buttery flavor, it is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. This recipe is straightforward and yields impressive results, making it perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade milk brioche!
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Homemade Milk Brioche: A Soft and Buttery Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Milk Brioche is a soft, buttery, and slightly sweet bread that originates from France. This enriched bread is characterized by its tender crumb and rich flavor, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a base for French toast and sandwiches. The addition of milk adds to its moist and delicate texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (active), plus rising time (2-3 hours)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg