Activating the yeast:
Dissolve the dry brewer’s yeast in the lukewarm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface.
Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the sugar and salt.
Add the lightly beaten eggs, the softened butter cut into pieces and the milk with the activated yeast.
If desired, add grated lemon or orange zest and vanilla extract or the flavor of your choice.
Mix all the ingredients well until you have a smooth and elastic dough. You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer with a leaf hook.
Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in volume.
Shaping the brioche:
Once the rising time is up, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into equal portions and shape into balls or buns, depending on the shape you want your brioche to be.
Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, leaving enough space between them to expand as they bake.
Cover the pan with a tea towel and let rise again for about 1 hour, or until the balls are well puffed up.
To bake the brioche:
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Brush the surface of the brioche gently with a little milk or beaten egg to brown evenly.
Bake the brioche in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and fragrant.
Serving:
Once baked, let the brioche cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
You can serve the brioche freshly out of the oven, perhaps accompanied by jam, spread or simply on its own.
Tip:
Make sure to respect the rising times, as they are essential to obtain a soft and light brioche.
If you prefer an even richer brioche, you can add chocolate chips, raisins or dried fruits to the dough.
Store the brioche in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
With this recipe, you can prepare a brioche that will surely be appreciated by everyone for its softness and good taste! Enjoy your meal!
