EASY BRIOCHE RECIPE

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

-Activate the Yeast:

-In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of the sugar.
-Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.

-Mix the Dough:

-In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
-Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until the dough comes together.

-Knead the Dough:

-Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

-Incorporate the Butter:

-Gradually add the softened butter to the dough, kneading until it’s fully incorporated and the dough is soft and slightly sticky.

-First Rise:

-Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size.

-Shape the Brioche:

-Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
-Divide it into equal portions, depending on the shape you want to create (loaf, rolls, etc.). Shape the portions into the desired form and place them in greased baking pans.

-Second Rise:

-Cover the shaped dough with the kitchen towel again and let it rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.

-Preheat the Oven:

-Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

-Egg Wash and Bake:

-Brush the top of the shaped dough with the beaten egg. This will give the brioche a beautiful golden color when baked.

-Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the brioche is nicely browned and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

-Cool and Enjoy:

-Once baked, remove the brioche from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.