Milk Brioche Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened and cut into small pieces
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: Pearl sugar or sliced almonds for topping

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, warm milk, and eggs.
• Mix the ingredients until the dough starts to come together.

1. Incorporate Butter:

• Gradually add the softened butter pieces to the dough while mixing. Knead the dough (either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook) for about 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.

1. First Rise:

• Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

1. Shape the Brioche:

• Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into smaller pieces to make rolls.
• Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan (or on a baking sheet for rolls), cover, and let it rise again for about 45 minutes, or until puffy.

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Egg Wash & Bake:

• In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over the surface of the brioche.
• If desired, sprinkle with pearl sugar or sliced almonds.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes (for a loaf) or 15-20 minutes (for rolls), until the brioche is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

1. Cool & Serve:

• Let the brioche cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your soft and buttery milk brioche!