Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche
Brioche is a rich, buttery bread with a soft texture and a slight sweetness. This braided version, enhanced with chocolate chips, offers a delicious, beautiful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a fluffy, irresistible loaf.
Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or mixing bowl and hands)
- Rolling Pin
- Bench scraper
- baking sheet
- parchment paper,
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3-4 cups bread flour depending on consistency
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet, milk, or dark
Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add eggs and melted butter, mixing until smooth. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead and rise:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer for 8 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Add chocolate chips and braid:
- Once the dough has risen, deflate it gently and knead in the chocolate chips. Divide the dough into three equal portions and roll them into long strands. Braid the strands together, pinching the ends to seal the loaf.
- Second rise and baking:
- Place the braided loaf on a lined baking sheet and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf with an egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. The internal temperature should be 190°F (88°C).
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the brioche to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a glossy finish, don't skip the egg wash step.
- Brioche dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight for improved flavor.
- Customize the chocolate chips to your liking—dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips work great!