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Soft Brioche bread

Soft Brioche Bread

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rise Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine French
Servings 10 Slices

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with a dough hook or a large mixing bowl and elbow grease!
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
  • 9x5-inch loaf pan or two smaller loaf pans
  • Pastry Brush
  • Wire rack for cooling

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour for extra chewiness
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk warmed (about 110°F)
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened and cut into chunks

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

Activate the Yeast

  1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until frothy. If it doesn’t foam up, your yeast may be inactive, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.

Mix the Dough

  1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the eggs and yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts coming together. Gradually add the butter, one piece at a time, allowing it to fully incorporate before adding the next.
    mixing bowl containing a blend of white flour and sugar

Knead the Dough

  1. Once all ingredients are combined, increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and elastic. If kneading by hand, expect to work it for about 15 minutes.

First Rise

  1. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.

Shape the Loaf

  1. Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide into six equal portions, roll each into a ball, and place them side by side in a greased loaf pan. Cover loosely and let it rise again for about an hour.
    loaf pan containing six smooth, evenly sized balls of brioche dough

Egg Wash & Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk, then brush it over the top of the dough for a golden crust. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool & Serve

  1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice once cooled and enjoy your fresh bread recipe!