Description

This buttery brioche bread is soft, airy, and practically melts in your mouth. With its rich, sweet, and buttery flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or served alongside your favorite meal.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F)

1 cup granulated sugar, divided

2 tsp dry active yeast

7 1/4 cups bread flour, spooned and leveled

1/2 tsp salt

6 eggs (+1 egg for egg wash)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

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Instructions

In a glass bowl or large measuring cup, combine warm milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 20 minutes until frothy.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 7 1/4 cups bread flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 3/4 cup sugar. Add the frothy yeast mixture, whisked eggs, and vanilla extract.
Using the hook attachment, beat the dough on medium speed until it comes together. Add softened butter, sliced into pieces, and knead on high speed for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too sticky.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, shape into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled or tripled in size.
Divide dough into two portions. Roll each into three long strands and braid them, sealing the ends. (Alternatively, form three dough balls and place them in a loaf pan.)
Butter two loaf pans and place the braided dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and proof for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Brush with egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tsp water). Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For variations, add cinnamon sugar for a spiced twist, dried fruits or nuts for added texture, or chocolate for a decadent version.
Store in a plastic bag at room temperature for 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
To achieve the perfect fluffy texture, make sure the dough rises properly and that you don’t skip the second proofing.

Prep Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 200
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg