How to Make Brioche Loaf - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to indulgent, buttery, and pillowy soft bread, there's nothing quite like a traditional brioche loaf. This classic French bread is a staple in any baker's repertoire, and for good reason. Its rich, tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor make it perfect for enjoying as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert. Whether you slice it and toast it, use it for sandwiches, or simply enjoy it on its own, a well-made brioche loaf is a true delight.

Making brioche ...

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 tablespoon pearl sugar

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 55 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
  • Servings: 24
  • Yield: 2 8x4-inch loaves

  • Combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a small bowl. Set aside to activate the yeast, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Place 4 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, yeast mixture, warm milk, eggs, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until dough starts to come together. Mix in honey, then little pats of butter, along with remaining flour; knead until it comes together in a soft, tacky dough.
  • Dump dough onto a floured work surface and cut into 2 even pieces. Form into balls and place in separate oiled bowls. Cover with plastic wrap and place somewhere warm until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Dump dough onto a work surface. Lightly punch down and knead for a few seconds. Form the balls into loaf shapes and place seam-side down in greased 8x4-inch loaf pans. Lightly cover the pans with a lint-free kitchen towel and let rise until dough comes to the top of the pans, about 45 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Mix egg and milk together to make an egg wash.
  • Lightly brush the top of the risen loaves with egg wash and sprinkle with pearl sugar.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until deep golden brown, about 25 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
  • Nutrition

    222 cal.

    • Total Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 60mg
    • Sodium: 164mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 30g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 8g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Calcium: 20mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 71mg