Milk Brioche Rolls Recipe

Milk Brioche Rolls are a delightfully soft, buttery, and slightly sweet bread that makes an excellent treat for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a light dessert. This French-inspired bread features a rich dough enriched with eggs, butter, and milk, resulting in a beautifully tender texture with a golden crust. Whether enjoyed plain, with jam, or as part of a decadent sandwich, these brioche rolls offer a luxurious bite that balances indulgence and versatility.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose or bread flour
• ⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this indicates the yeast is active and ready for the dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Pour in the yeast mixture and start kneading. Add in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are well incorporated.
3. Gradually add the softened butter, a little at a time, allowing each portion to mix into the dough before adding more.
4. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 10–15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
2. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shaping the Rolls

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove excess air.
2. Divide it into 12–15 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball.
3. Arrange the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until they appear puffy.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk and brush it lightly over the rolls to create a glossy, golden crust.
3. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the rolls turn a deep golden brown.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

1. Allow the brioche rolls to cool slightly before serving.
2. Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, or honey, or transform them into a gourmet sandwich.

These Milk Brioche Rolls are a masterpiece of texture and flavor, blending a rich buttery crumb with soft, pillowy layers. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted later, they make an irresistible addition to any meal. Let me know if you’d like to experiment with different flavors, like chocolate chips or cinnamon!