Soft and Fluffy Milk Brioche – A Buttery, Pillowy Delight!

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This classic French brioche is impossibly light, rich with butter, and has the most tender crumb you’ll ever taste. Perfect for breakfast, French toast, or simply enjoyed warm with jam, this milk-enriched version is slightly easier to make than traditional brioche while delivering all that luxurious texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Cloud-Like Softness – Melts in your mouth
✅ Rich Buttery Flavor – With a delicate sweetness
✅ Versatile – Makes amazing sandwiches, burgers, or dessert bases
✅ Milk-Enhanced – Creates a more forgiving dough than classic brioche

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 ¼ cups (420g) bread flour (or all-purpose)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
  • ½ cup (120ml) warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened but cool, cubed

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp milk or cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a stand mixer with dough hook, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add warm milk, eggs, and vanilla. Mix on medium until combined (~2 mins).
  3. With mixer running, add butter 1 cube at a time, waiting until each is incorporated.
  4. Knead on medium speed for 8-10 mins until smooth, elastic, and pulling away from sides.

Step 2: First Rise

  1. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise at room temp for 1.5-2 hours until doubled.

Step 3: Shape & Second Rise

  1. Punch down dough and divide into 8-12 pieces (for rolls) or place whole in a loaf pan.
  2. Arrange in pan(s), cover, and let rise 1 hour until puffy.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brush tops with egg wash.
  3. Bake 20-25 mins (rolls) or 30-35 mins (loaf) until deep golden brown.

Professional Tips

🔹 Butter Temp Matters – Should be cool but pliable (60-65°F/15-18°C)
🔹 Don’t Rush the Rise – Cold kitchen? Place bowl in a warm water bath
🔹 Storage – Keep at room temp 2 days, or freeze up to 1 month

Serving Suggestions

  • Morning Joy: Toast and spread with jam or Nutella
  • Savory Twist: Use for gourmet grilled cheese
  • Decadent: Make bread pudding with leftovers

Final Thoughts

This Milk Brioche delivers bakery-quality results with a slightly simpler method. The crumb is so tender it practically dissolves, while the buttery richness makes every bite unforgettable.

Bon appétit! 🥖✨

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