Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Buttery: The combination of milk, cream, and butter creates a luxuriously soft texture.
- Versatile & Delicious: Ideal for both sweet and savory applications.
- Perfectly Golden Crust: An egg wash gives it a beautiful shine.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (room temperature)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (or mix ½ cup cake flour + 3 ½ cups bread flour)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- For the egg wash: 1 beaten egg + 1 teaspoon water
- For simple syrup glaze: 1 tablespoon sugar dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Make the Dough
- In a stand mixer bowl, add cream, milk, egg, sugar, flours, yeast, and salt in order.
- Mix with a dough hook on low speed for 15 minutes. (Add extra flour if dough sticks to the bowl.)
2. First Proofing
- Cover with a damp towel and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Dough
- Grease two loaf pans or 9-inch round pans with butter.
- Punch down the dough, knead for 5 minutes, then divide into equal portions for loaves or rolls.
- Arrange in the prepared pans and cover for 1 hour.
4. Bake the Brioche
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush dough with egg wash and bake for 23-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with simple syrup glaze for a shiny, slightly sweet crust.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 loaves or 8 rolls
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 2-3 hours
- Baking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Brioche: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough.
- Savory Version: Mix in shredded cheese and herbs for a cheesy brioche.
- Brioche Buns: Shape into small rolls for the perfect burger bun.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this without a stand mixer?
Yes! Knead by hand for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
What makes brioche different from regular bread?
Brioche is an enriched dough, meaning it contains butter, milk, and eggs for a softer, richer texture.
How do I know when brioche is fully baked?
Tap the top—if it sounds hollow and is golden brown, it’s done!
Conclusion
This Milk Brioche is a bakery-quality bread with a buttery, tender crumb and golden crust. Whether you enjoy it fresh, toasted, or turned into French toast, it’s a must-try for home bakers!
