Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, buttery bun that’s slightly sweet, with a golden-brown crust that’s perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying on its own. That’s the magic of homemade brioche buns! If you’re ready to elevate your baking skills and indulge in a taste of culinary heaven, then let’s dive into the art of making brioche buns from scratch.
Brioche buns are a beloved staple in French cuisine, known for their rich and tender texture. Making them at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and infuse them with your personal touch. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making these delectable treats – with a little patience and practice, you’ll be a brioche bun master in no time!
Gather Your Ingredients
To make brioche buns, you’ll need some basic pantry staples, including all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, active dry yeast, eggs, unsalted butter, and milk. Using high-quality ingredients will ensure the best results.
Ingredients
Brioche Dough:
- ▢2½ cups bread flour plus more for dusting (300g)
- ▢¾ cup all-purpose flour (90g)
- ▢2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ▢2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (.25-ounce packet)
- ▢1½ teaspoons salt
- ▢¾ cup warm milk 110-120F (180mL)
- ▢2 large eggs
- ▢4 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature (57g)
Egg Wash:
- ▢1 large egg
- ▢1 tablespoon water or milk
The Technique
Making brioche buns involves a unique technique that creates their distinct texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:
- Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy, which indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use
- Mix the dough: Add flour, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Then, incorporate softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Rise and chill: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size. Then, punch down the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling the dough helps to develop its flavor and makes it easier to handle.
- Shape the buns: Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball, and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for rising.
- Second rise: Cover the buns with a clean towel and let them rise at room temperature for about 1-2 hours until they have doubled in size. This second rise helps to create a light and airy texture in the buns.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven, brush the buns with an optional egg wash for a glossy finish, and bake them until they are golden brown and fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly before digging in!
Get Creative!
Brioche buns are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add fillings like chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts to the dough for a delightful twist. You can also top the buns with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a sprinkle of sugar to add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Let your creativity run wild and experiment with different variations to make your brioche buns truly unique.
FAQ
In what ways is a brioche distinct from other types of bread?
Water, flour, salt, and yeast are staple ingredients in many bread recipes. In contrast, brioche is loaded with eggs, milk, and butter. This makes brioche bread extraordinarily more flavorful, tender, and luxurious than standard bread. Brioche has a more sugary flavor than regular bread.
WHERE DO I KEEP EXTRA BUNS?
Cool any leftover brioche buns and store them in a Ziploc bag for later use. They will keep for up to three days at room temperature. You can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or grill without damaging the flavor.
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