As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of warm vanilla began to envelop the air, transporting me to a cozy café in Paris where buttery pastries are savored over steaming cups of coffee. That’s the kind of experience I aim for with this delightful Vanilla Brioche recipe. Fluffy, golden, and rich in flavor, it’s more than just bread – it’s an invitation to indulge. Imagine waking up to slices of soft, pillowy brioche served with a pat of melting butter or a dollop of homemade jam.
Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself to a sweet afternoon snack, this versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion. Plus, with its simple preparation and customization options like adding chocolate chips or a drizzle of glaze, you can make it uniquely yours. So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into creating this comforting treat that promises to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Why choose this Vanilla Brioche Recipe?
Decadent Flavor: This brioche is rich with a delightful vanilla essence, elevating your everyday baking to gourmet levels.
Simplicity: With just a few straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this fluffy treat, making it a stress-free option for any kitchen.
Versatile Customization: Feel free to experiment! Add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or a sweet glaze to tailor the brioche to your taste.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack, this brioche shines when served warm with butter or homemade jam.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it to develop deeper flavors for the next day’s enjoyment. It’s about creating memories with each bite!
Vanilla Brioche Recipe Ingredients
For the Dough
• All-Purpose Flour – 250 g / 2 cups; forms the structure and body of the brioche.
• Sugar – 40 g / 3 tbsp; adds sweetness and a lovely browning effect.
• Salt – 1/2 tsp; enhances flavor while regulating yeast activity.
• Lukewarm Milk – 120 ml / 1/2 cup; crucial for activating yeast and hydrating the dough.
• Soft Butter – 20 g / 1 1/2 tbsp; contributes moistness and rich flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp; infuses the brioche with a delightful sweet aroma.
• Instant Dry Yeast – 1 tsp; leavens the brioche, giving it that airy texture.
• Egg – 1 size M; binds the ingredients and adds richness.
For Brushing
• Soft Butter – 40 g; enhances flavor and moisture on the finished brioche.
• Melted Butter – 20 g; gives shine and flavor to the brioche before and after baking.
Embrace the joy of baking with this Vanilla Brioche recipe that invites comfort and customization!
How to Make Vanilla Brioche
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Sift Flour: In a clean bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and create a well in the center. This well is where the magic begins, so make sure it’s spacious.
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Activate Yeast: Add the instant dry yeast, a pinch of sugar, and lukewarm milk into the well. Let it rest for about 10 minutes, allowing the mixture to become foamy and alive with bubbles.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour in the remaining milk, sugar, salt, egg, soft butter, and vanilla extract. Embrace the dough with your hands, kneading for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
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Let Rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and place it in a warm area. Allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size – anticipate a lovely, fluffy outcome!
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Shape Dough: Once risen, divide the dough into 6 equal balls (roughly 75 g each). Roll each ball into ovals measuring about 10 x 15 cm, ready for their scrumptious transformation.
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Brush and Cut: Gently brush the ovals with the vanilla-infused butter. Make a series of light cuts down the center, then roll them from the short side to create compact rolls.
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Second Rise: Place your delightful rolls in a greased muffin tin, cover, and let them rise again for 20-30 minutes. This step helps create that airy texture we all love!
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the brioche for 20-25 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
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Finish with Butter: Once out of the oven, brush the warm brioche with the remaining melted butter. Cover for a few minutes to absorb the richness, then add a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
Optional: Serve warm with soft butter or your favorite jam for an irresistible treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for the Best Vanilla Brioche
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Lukewarm Milk Matters: Always ensure your milk is lukewarm when adding it to the yeast; this primes the yeast for rising, resulting in a fluffier brioche.
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Knead Properly: Don’t skimp on kneading! Knead the dough thoroughly for about 10 minutes to develop gluten, which gives the brioche its delightful texture.
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Patience is Key: Allow sufficient rise time; a well-risen dough will yield a light and airy Vanilla Brioche. Resist the urge to rush through this crucial step.
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Dough Temperature: If your kitchen is chilly, consider placing the dough in an oven with just the light on, creating a warm environment that encourages yeast activity.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your Vanilla Brioche! Adding chocolate chips or using almond extract can elevate the flavor, making it uniquely yours.
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Storage Tips: To keep your brioche fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze it for longer-lasting enjoyment.
Make Ahead Options
These Vanilla Brioche are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight in the refrigerator. After the initial rise, simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until ready to shape. When you’re ready to bake, bring the dough back to room temperature for about 30 minutes before dividing and shaping it into rolls. This ensures they rise well and maintain their fluffy texture. Baking fresh Vanilla Brioche in the morning will awaken your senses and delight your family with minimal morning fuss – a true time-saver for busy mornings!
How to Store and Freeze Vanilla Brioche
Room Temperature: Keep your Vanilla Brioche in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps maintain its fluffy texture and prevents it from drying out.
Fridge: If you plan to keep it longer, store the brioche in the fridge for up to a week. However, note that refrigeration may slightly alter its texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual brioche pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Vanilla Brioche, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes for the best results.
Variations & Substitutions for Vanilla Brioche Recipe
Feel free to explore your creativity and customize this delightful recipe to suit your taste palate.
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Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet, indulgent twist that everyone will love.
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Dried Fruit: Incorporate 1 cup of dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a chewy, fruity burst in every bite.
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Citrus Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest instead of vanilla for a refreshing, citrusy flavor profile.
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Almond Extract: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract to impart a nutty flavor that’s equally sweet and aromatic.
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Spiced Brioche: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced note that evokes cozy vibes.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, in the dough for an added crunch and richness in texture.
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Glazed Finish: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the warm brioche to add sweetness and shine.
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Savory Twist: Substitute a portion of the sugar with finely grated cheese (like Parmesan) for a unique, savory brioche perfect for sandwiches.
Embrace these variations and create a Vanilla Brioche that’s uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Vanilla Brioche?
Imagine indulging in the soft, sweet bliss of Vanilla Brioche while sipping a comforting beverage or savoring a fresh accompaniment.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries brings a tart contrast to the sweet brioche, enhancing its richness.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a luscious topping, making every bite feel like a celebration.
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Homemade Jam: Slathering your brioche with a dollop of your favorite jam elevates the experience, adding fruity sweetness and vibrancy.
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Honey Drizzle: A silky drizzle of honey enhances the vanilla flavor while providing a touch of natural sweetness that feels indulgent.
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Creamy Yogurt: Pairing with a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea complements the brioche, amplifying your cozy moments spent savoring each bite.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: For those with a sweet tooth, spread some chocolate hazelnut goodness on your brioche for a decadent twist.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve it warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.
Vanilla Brioche Recipe FAQs
What kind of flour should I use for this brioche?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for a light and fluffy texture. However, if you prefer a chewier brioche, you can opt for bread flour instead, as it has a higher protein content which helps with gluten development.
How should I store my Vanilla Brioche?
To maintain its delicious texture, store your Vanilla Brioche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, it can be refrigerated for up to a week, though this might slightly alter the texture.
Can I freeze my Vanilla Brioche?
Absolutely! To freeze your brioche, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method protects the brioche from freezer burn and keeps it fresh. You can enjoy it up to 3 months later!
What if my brioche doesn’t rise as expected?
A few factors could affect the rise: ensure your yeast is fresh and not expired. Make sure the milk is lukewarm, as using hot milk can kill the yeast. If the dough is too cold, try placing it in a warm spot (like an oven with just the light on) to encourage rising.
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
While this Vanilla Brioche is not gluten-free and contains dairy, you can make it more inclusive by using a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a vegan option and margarine or coconut oil instead of butter for dairy-free needs.
Can I customize the flavors in my Vanilla Brioche?
Very! You can easily customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips or dried fruits to the dough for an exciting twist. Alternatively, swap the vanilla extract for almond extract or a touch of lemon zest to take the flavor in a different direction!
Fluffy Vanilla Brioche Recipe for Ultimate Home Baking Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift Flour: In a clean bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and create a well in the center.
- Activate Yeast: Add the instant dry yeast, a pinch of sugar, and lukewarm milk into the well.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the remaining milk, sugar, salt, egg, soft butter, and vanilla extract. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Let Rise: Cover the dough and place it in a warm area to rise for about 1 hour.
- Shape Dough: Divide the dough into 6 equal balls and roll each into ovals.
- Brush and Cut: Brush the ovals with vanilla-infused butter and make light cuts down the center.
- Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased muffin tin, cover, and let them rise again for 20-30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Finish with Butter: Brush warm brioche with melted butter and cover for a few minutes.