Buttery Brioche Bread

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Golden, rich, and impossibly soft, Buttery Brioche Bread is the kind of loaf that makes you pause in admiration before you even take a bite. Its glossy crust gives way to a tender, pillowy interior that pulls apart like soft clouds, making every slice feel like a luxurious treat. Whether you’re slathering it with butter and jam, using it for a decadent French toast, or simply enjoying it plain, this bread elevates even the simplest of moments.

Unlike everyday sandwich bread, brioche is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk, giving it a rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dough is buttery but not greasy, slightly sweet but not overpowering. Baking a homemade loaf brings warmth to your kitchen and fills the house with an aroma that’s almost as satisfying as the first bite. It’s a weekend project worth every minute.

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What Makes Brioche Bread So Special?

Brioche bread stands out for its enriched dough, a French classic that balances sweetness with a deeply savory note from the butter and eggs. It’s a hybrid between bread and pastry, perfect for both sweet and savory applications. The texture is soft and tearable, with a beautiful golden crust that comes from the egg wash before baking. What makes it especially delightful is its versatility: use it for sandwiches, bread pudding, or even homemade burger buns.

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Ingredients for the Buttery Brioche Bread

Bread Flour
High in protein, bread flour gives the loaf its structure while still allowing a soft, light crumb.

Eggs
They add richness, color, and tenderness to the dough, and also help bind everything together.

Whole Milk
Warm milk adds moisture and activates the yeast. It also enriches the dough.

Active Dry Yeast
This is what helps the dough rise into that fluffy, cloud-like texture.

Granulated Sugar
Adds a subtle sweetness and also feeds the yeast to boost fermentation.

Unsalted Butter
The star of the show! Room temperature butter is gradually added for that signature brioche richness.

Salt
Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor.

Egg Wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water)
Brushed on before baking to achieve that golden, shiny crust.

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How To Make the Buttery Brioche Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk to about 100°F (lukewarm, not hot). Add in the granulated sugar and yeast, stir gently, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it turns foamy. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to go.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Base

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the activated yeast mixture with the eggs and bread flour. Start mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter Gradually

Add salt, then begin incorporating the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to fully mix in before adding more. This process can take around 10–15 minutes. The dough will be sticky at first but should become glossy and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size. Alternatively, refrigerate it overnight for deeper flavor and easier handling.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide and shape as desired—either into one large loaf, small rolls, or braided. Place in a buttered loaf pan or on a lined tray.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 45–60 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the dough with an egg wash, then bake for 25–30 minutes, or until deeply golden and a thermometer reads 190°F (88°C) in the center. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the brioche cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. The texture will firm up slightly and be easier to slice.

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Serving and Storing Buttery Brioche Bread

Fresh from the oven, Buttery Brioche Bread is irresistible when served warm with a pat of butter or your favorite jam. Its rich texture also makes it a dream for French toast, bread pudding, or even upscale grilled cheese sandwiches. For entertaining, try slicing and serving it alongside a charcuterie board or toasting cubes for an indulgent salad crouton.

To store, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze in a zip-top bag—just toast or warm in the oven to revive that fresh-baked goodness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?

The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. It will pull away from the sides of the bowl cleanly when fully kneaded.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

You can, but the texture will be slightly less chewy and structured. Bread flour is preferred for the best rise and airy interior.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

It’s possible to make brioche by hand, though it requires patience and a strong arm. Be prepared for 20+ minutes of kneading to fully incorporate the butter.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. It actually improves the flavor and makes shaping easier.

Why is my brioche dense and not fluffy?

This could be due to under-proofing, expired yeast, or not fully kneading the dough. Make sure to follow rising times and test your yeast for activity.

How do I reheat frozen slices?

Toast directly from frozen or wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

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Want More Bread Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re enjoying this Buttery Brioche Bread, here are a few more bakes you’ll love to try next:

• Irresistible Super Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread for something sweet and comforting.
• Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole to serve alongside a warm brioche slice for brunch.
• Ultimate Banana Nut Bread Recipe if you’re craving rich texture with a nutty twist.
• Creamy and Easy Egg Custard Pie for a silky treat after a hearty bread-based breakfast.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs if you’re in the mood to go all-out indulgent.

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