Super Simple Extra Soft Puff Pastry Brioche

Introduction

Indulge in the exquisite taste of Super Simple Extra Soft Puff Pastry Brioche, a delightful blend of rich, buttery layers with a fluffy, tender crumb. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, offering a bakery-quality brioche that is surprisingly easy to make at home. Follow this detailed guide to create brioche that is both elegant and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs (separate yolks and whites)
  • 200ml lukewarm water (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp)
  • 200ml lukewarm milk (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp)
  • 125ml oil (1/2 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (25g, adjust to taste)
  • 1 fresh yeast (about 42g)
  • About 800g flour (7 cups; dough should be slightly sticky)
  • 125g soft butter (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (1/12 of the brioche)
  • Number of Servings: 12 pieces
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 5g

Preparation Steps

Mixing the Yeast and Milk

  1. Begin by taking the warm milk in a kneading bowl.
  2. Add the fresh yeast and stir until it dissolves completely. This step ensures the yeast is activated and evenly distributed.

Adding Sugar and Oil

  1. Next, incorporate the granulated sugar into the milk-yeast mixture and continue stirring until well combined.
  2. Add the olive oil to the mixture and stir to blend all the ingredients together.

Incorporating Flour and Salt

  1. Gradually add flour and salt to the mixture, kneading continuously. Add the flour in portions to control the dough’s consistency.
  2. Knead until a slightly sticky dough forms. Ensure the dough is well combined and elastic, which indicates proper gluten development.

Resting the Dough

  1. Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes. This allows the dough to rise and develop flavor. The resting period is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Shaping the Dough

Super Simple Extra Soft Puff Pastry Brioche
  1. After resting, divide the dough into pieces of desired size and shape them into balls. The size can vary depending on your preference.
  2. Roll each ball into thin strips and twist them together to form the brioche shape. This technique gives the brioche its distinctive, attractive appearance.

Brushing and Topping

  1. Mix the egg yolks with a little bit of water to create an egg wash.
  2. Brush the mixture over the shaped brioche to give it a beautiful, glossy finish.
  3. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture. You can also use poppy seeds or coarse salt as an alternative.

Baking the Brioche

  1. Place the prepared brioche on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  2. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Final Touches

  1. Once baked, remove the brioche from the oven and cover it with a damp cloth. This step keeps the crust soft and enhances the brioche’s texture.
  2. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. This cooling period ensures the flavors meld perfectly and the brioche slices cleanly.

Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Brioche

  • Ensure the yeast is fresh for optimal rise and flavor. Stale yeast can result in dense brioche.
  • Don’t skip the resting time, as it allows the dough to develop flavor and texture. This step is essential for a light and airy crumb.
  • Brushing the brioche with egg wash adds a beautiful shine to the crust. For an extra golden hue, you can use a combination of egg yolk and cream.
  • Experiment with different toppings such as poppy seeds or coarse salt for added flavor and visual appeal.

Conclusion

This Super Simple Extra Soft Puff Pastry Brioche is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. With its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family brunch or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this brioche is sure to impress. Happy baking!