Brioche buns are a quintessential part of French baking, known for their rich, buttery flavor and soft, fluffy texture. These buns are perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or simply enjoying with some jam or butter. The magic of brioche comes from the generous amount of eggs and butter, which creates a light, airy crumb while still being tender and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and eggs to the flour, mixing until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, gradually adding in the softened butter, a few tablespoons at a time, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape the buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped buns with a towel and let them rise again for about 45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Egg wash and bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each bun with the beaten egg to give them a shiny finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack before serving.
These brioche buns are soft and airy, with a slightly sweet, buttery taste that’s ideal for sandwiches, burgers, or even enjoyed on their own!
