Milk brioche is a type of sweet and rich bread that’s known for its soft, tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor. It’s often enjoyed as a breakfast treat, dessert, or as the base for sandwiches like French toast. Here’s a basic recipe for making milk brioche:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of milk)
Optional:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Proof the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and activates.
- Mixing the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, eggs, salt, and about half of the flour. If using vanilla extract and honey, add them at this stage.
- Gradually add the remaining flour while mixing, until a dough forms.
- Kneading:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Incorporating Butter:
- Gradually add the softened butter to the dough, a little at a time, kneading well after each addition. This step can take some time as the butter is incorporated and the dough becomes smooth again.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Shaping and Second Rise:
- Punch down the risen dough gently to deflate it. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into the desired form, such as a loaf, rolls, or individual buns.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for an additional 1-2 hours until it’s puffy.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is undergoing its second rise.
- Egg Wash and Baking:
- Once the dough has risen, brush the top with the egg wash to give it a shiny appearance when baked.
- Bake the milk brioche in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes (adjust the time based on the size and shape of your brioche) or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cooling:
- Remove the brioche from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Milk brioche can be enjoyed plain, with butter and jam, or turned into delightful French toast. It’s a versatile and delicious bread that’s perfect for special occasions or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee.
