There’s something about the aroma of freshly baked bread that instantly makes a home feel warm and inviting. If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with that delightful smell and indulge in a tender, buttery treat, then making brioche from scratch is the perfect choice. Brioche, a classic French bread enriched with eggs and butter, is known for its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making your own delicious brioche at home. Serve it for breakfast with a dollop of jam or enjoy it as a snack with a cup of tea.
Brioche
Ingredients:
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup warm whole milk
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg yolk for egg wash
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and warm milk. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the dough either by hand on a lightly floured surface or in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Knead for about 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Cut the softened butter into small cubes and gradually add them to the dough. Knead until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is shiny and elastic.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to deflate. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into a loaf by folding the edges towards the center and placing it seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
6. Cover the loaf pans with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise again for about 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Whisk the egg yolk with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Gently brush the top of the loaves with the egg wash before baking.
8. Bake the brioche loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice the brioche and serve warm with your favorite spreads or use it to make delicious French toast or bread pudding.
Enjoy your homemade brioche, and relish in the joy of baking something special for yourself and your loved ones. The time and effort put into making this classic bread will undoubtedly be rewarded with smiles around the table. Share the love and warmth of freshly baked brioche with those who matter most.
