Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Milk Brioche is everything you could want in a bread: tender, light, and rich with flavor. The addition of whole milk and butter creates a soft, slightly sweet dough that rises beautifully. The golden, slightly crisp crust complements the airy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Whether you enjoy it on its own, with jam, or as a base for sandwiches, this Milk Brioche will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (500g)
- 1 cup whole milk (240ml)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (7g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, whisk the warm milk and sugar together until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture along with the beaten eggs. Stir the ingredients until a shaggy dough begins to form.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky, but try to keep it soft and manageable.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter & Rise
Gradually knead in the softened butter until it is fully incorporated into the dough. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape & Second Rise
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide it into portions and shape it as desired—either into rolls or a loaf. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the brioche for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 slices
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: You can add chocolate chips, raisins, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, replace the butter with plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) in place of whole milk. Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer.
- Flavored Brioche: For a citrusy twist, add some orange or lemon zest to the dough.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the brioche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can also be toasted for extra flavor.
- Freezing: You can freeze the brioche before baking. Simply shape the dough and freeze it, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the brioche in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture, though the result will be similar with all-purpose flour.
Can I make this in a bread machine?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for the dough portion. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding ingredients and set it to the dough cycle.
How do I know when the brioche is done baking?
The brioche is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; it should read around 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour, as it doesn’t need to be activated in warm water like active dry yeast.
Can I add sweeteners like honey or maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup, but be sure to adjust the liquid content slightly to maintain the right dough consistency.
Conclusion
Milk Brioche is a perfect treat for anyone who loves soft, buttery bread with a touch of sweetness. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or with your favorite meal, this brioche bread is a crowd-pleaser. With its soft texture and golden crust, it’s a delightful recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make and worth the time. Once you try it, you’ll never want store-bought bread again!
Milk Brioche: A Soft and Buttery Delight
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Bread, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Milk Brioche is a soft, buttery bread with a golden crust and pillowy texture, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sandwiches. This easy recipe yields a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour (500g)
1 cup whole milk (240ml)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (7g)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together warm milk and sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and beaten eggs. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary, but keep the dough soft.
- Step 4: Gradually knead in the softened butter until fully incorporated. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide into portions and shape as desired—into rolls or a loaf. Place in a greased pan or on a baking sheet. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow when tapped. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
For added flavor, you can mix chocolate chips, raisins, or cinnamon into the dough.
For a vegan version, replace butter with plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, and flaxseed meal or an egg replacer for the eggs.
Add lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist in the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
