Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brioche buns are everything you want in a soft, pillowy bread. The rich, buttery flavor is balanced perfectly by a subtle sweetness, making them ideal for pairing with savory fillings like burgers or simply enjoying as a snack. The recipe is easy to follow and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, meaning you can enjoy fresh, homemade buns without too much fuss. Plus, the process of kneading and waiting for the dough to rise is a fun and rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the frothy yeast mixture, 4 eggs, and softened butter.
- Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into balls.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until they puff up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 buns
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including rising time)
Variations
- Add Herbs: Mix in a teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory touch.
- Garlic Brioche Buns: Add roasted garlic to the dough for a richer, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with burgers or grilled chicken.
- Sweet Brioche Buns: For a sweeter bun, increase the sugar slightly and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Gluten-Free Version: If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though results may vary.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Once cooled, store your brioche buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: Brioche buns freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and store for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for a few hours or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Reheating: For a warm, freshly-baked taste, reheat the buns in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these buns without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It may take a bit longer, but the results will still be wonderful.
Why is my dough not rising?
Make sure your yeast is active and that the warm milk is around 110°F. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
While all-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture, though the results will vary.
How do I know when the dough has doubled in size?
The dough should look visibly puffed up and have a smooth surface. You can also gently press your finger into the dough—if the indentation remains, it has risen enough.
Can I make these buns in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time, let it rise, then shape the buns and refrigerate them overnight before baking the next day.
How do I store leftover buns?
Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them.
Can I make these buns without eggs?
Eggs give brioche its characteristic richness, but you can try replacing them with a flax egg or another egg substitute, though the texture might be slightly different.
What do I serve with these brioche buns?
These soft and fluffy buns are perfect for making burgers, sandwiches, or simply served alongside soups or stews.
How do I know if I overworked the dough?
Overworked dough can be dense and tough. If it feels very firm or hard to knead, try to reduce the kneading time and keep the dough soft and smooth.
Can I skip the egg wash?
The egg wash helps give the buns a golden color and a slight sheen. You can skip it if you prefer a matte finish, but your buns may not have the same beautiful appearance.
Conclusion
These Easy Brioche Buns are a delightful homemade treat that adds a touch of luxury to any meal. Whether you’re preparing a gourmet burger or enjoying them on their own, these soft, buttery buns are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have fresh, homemade brioche buns that elevate any dish. Give them a try and experience the difference homemade makes!
Easy Brioche Buns
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Brioche Buns are light, fluffy, and irresistibly buttery, making them perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or simply enjoyed with jam or butter.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
4 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the frothy yeast mixture, 4 eggs, and softened butter.
- Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into balls.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until they puff up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
For savory buns, mix in dried rosemary or thyme to the dough.
For garlic-flavored brioche buns, add roasted garlic to the dough.
If you want a sweeter version, increase the sugar and add vanilla extract.
If using gluten-free flour, the results may vary, but you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
