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Braided Brioche Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews

This Braided Brioche Bread recipe yields soft, buttery, and slightly sweet loaves with a beautiful braided appearance. Perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, this brioche is made with active dry yeast, warm milk, eggs, and plenty of butter to create a tender crumb and rich flavor. The dough undergoes two rises to develop its airy texture before baking to a golden brown finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ⅔ cup warm milk (100-110°F)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 ¾ cups bread flour
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 Tablespoon kosher salt

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Kosher salt (for sprinkling)

Optional

  • Melted butter, for brushing after baking

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour and butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the all-purpose flour, 4 cups of bread flour, kosher salt, and softened butter. Start mixing on low speed and let it run for about a minute to evenly incorporate the butter into the flour.
  2. Activate yeast: In a large measuring cup, mix active dry yeast, sugar, and warm milk heated to between 100-110°F. Stir gently and let sit for approximately 15 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Then add the eggs and mix well.
  3. Finish the dough: Pour the yeast and egg mixture into the stand mixer bowl. Begin mixing on low speed until the flour absorbs the liquid. Use a silicone spatula to occasionally scrape down the sides. Gradually add the remaining bread flour as needed to achieve a slightly sticky yet firm dough. Continue mixing on medium speed for a couple more minutes until well kneaded.
  4. Transfer dough: Remove the dough from the mixer and place it in a large greased bowl. Punch down the dough gently in the center and pull the sides inward to form a smooth ball. Position the dough smooth side up in the bowl.
  5. Let dough rest (First Rise): Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm part of your kitchen. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  6. Divide the dough: Lightly oil a clean surface and transfer the risen dough onto it. Slice the dough into two equal halves.
  7. Braid the dough: Take each half and divide it further into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 12 to 15 inches long. Lay the three ropes together and braid them, tucking the ends underneath. Place each braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with baking spray. Repeat with the remaining dough half.
  8. Let dough rise again (Second Rise): Cover the braided loaves with a dish towel and allow them to rise again until nearly doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
  9. Prep dough for baking: Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of each braided loaf generously with the egg wash and sprinkle with kosher salt.
  10. Bake: Bake the brioche loaves in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Optional: Brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking for extra richness.
  11. Cool: Transfer the baked brioche loaves to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing to allow the crumb to set.

Notes

  • Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot; ideal temperature is between 100-110°F to activate the yeast properly.
  • If the dough is too sticky to handle after mixing, add a bit more bread flour gradually.
  • This recipe makes two braided loaves, perfect for sharing or freezing one for later.
  • Use unsalted butter softened to room temperature for easier incorporation into the dough.
  • Brush the loaves with melted butter after baking for added flavor and softness.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

Keywords: braided brioche, brioche bread, homemade brioche, braided bread, buttery soft bread, French bread recipe, yeast bread

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/braided-brioche-bread-recipe/