★Ingredients
For the Brioche Dough*
1/3 cup (70g) sugar
4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
4 large eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, lukewarm
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash*
1 tbsp milk
1 egg
Optional Toppings*
Sliced almonds
Pearl sugar
★Instructions
- Prepare the Dough*
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, lukewarm milk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined. This can be done by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Once the dough starts to come together, add the softened butter a few pieces at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue kneading the dough for about 10-15 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough will be quite sticky, but resist the urge to add more flour.
- First Rise*
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough*
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (or more if you prefer smaller brioche).
- Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Second Rise*
- Cover the shaped dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare for Baking*
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush the risen brioche with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- If desired, sprinkle with pearl sugar or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.