Braided Brioche Recipe: How to Make Soft, Fluffy, and Buttery French Bread

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked brioche filling your kitchen on a lazy Sunday morning. This easy braided brioche recipe will help you create a soft, buttery loaf that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying it warm with coffee, serving it for a special brunch, or turning leftovers into the best French toast ever.

With its golden crust and fluffy texture, braided brioche is a showstopper that looks as good as it tastes. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to make it! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bakery-worthy brioche ready to impress your family and friends. Let’s get started!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Resting Time (Rising & Proofing): 1h 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2h 30 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Yield: 1 braided brioche loaf

Ingredients for Homemade Braided Brioche

Dough Ingredients for Soft and Buttery Brioche

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• A pinch of salt
• 7 oz (1 3/4 sticks) softened butter
• 4 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)

Egg Wash for Golden Crust

• 1 egg (beaten, for glazing)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Braided Brioche

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
2. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the softened butter, sugar, yeast, and eggs. This is where the magic begins—by mixing these ingredients together, we create the foundation of our brioche.
3. Gradually pour in the warm milk, stirring continuously, until the mixture forms a dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle in a little more flour.
4. Once the dough comes together, begin kneading it on a lightly floured surface for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

5. After kneading, transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
6. Place the bowl in a warm spot and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is important as it allows the dough to develop its fluffy texture. While you wait, you can prepare your baking sheet and preheat the oven.

Step 3: Shape the Brioche

7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide the dough into three equal portions.
8. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12-15 inches long. To shape the brioche, join the three ropes at one end and carefully braid them together, tucking the ends under for a neat finish.
9. Transfer the braided dough to a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. If you’d like, you can tuck the ends of the dough to create a circular shape for a more decorative presentation.

Step 4: Proof the Brioche

10. Cover the braided dough again with a kitchen towel and allow it to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. The dough will expand during this time, so be sure to give it plenty of room.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven and Prepare for Baking

11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking the brioche to golden perfection.
12. Once the dough has risen, brush the top with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden glaze. This step not only gives the brioche a beautiful color but also adds a slight sweetness to the crust.

Step 6: Bake the Brioche

13. Place the brioche in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
14. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the brioche with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

15. Once the brioche is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. This ensures that the texture is set and not too crumbly.

Expert Tips for the Best Braided Brioche Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps the dough come together more easily and creates a smoother texture.
• Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Brioche dough needs time to rise, so be patient. The longer it rises, the fluffier the bread will be. If you’re short on time, you can let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight, which will also develop a richer flavor.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Braided brioche can be customized! Add chocolate chips, cinnamon, or dried fruit for a fun twist. Some people even like to fill the center with a sweet jam or cream cheese for extra flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: This brioche is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with butter, honey, or jam. It’s also fantastic for making French toast if you have leftovers!

Serving Ideas: How to Enjoy Your Braided Brioche

Braided brioche is delicious on its own, but you can also:

• Spread it with butter, honey, or homemade jam.
• Use it for French toast—its rich, buttery texture makes it perfect for soaking up custard.
• Serve it as a base for bread pudding.

FAQ: Common Questions About Braided Brioche Recipe

Can I make brioche dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This slow fermentation enhances the flavor and gives the brioche an even softer texture. Before shaping and baking, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Why is my brioche not fluffy?

There are a few common reasons why brioche might turn out dense:

• Not enough kneading: Brioche dough needs to develop gluten to become light and airy. Knead for at least 10 minutes (by hand) or 6–8 minutes (with a stand mixer).
• Underproofing: The dough needs to double in size during both proofing stages. If the environment is too cold, it might take longer.
• Too much flour: Adding too much flour can make the dough stiff and dry. It should be slightly sticky but still manageable.

Can I freeze homemade brioche?

Absolutely! Let the brioche cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It stays fresh for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. (King Arthur Baking Company)

How can I add more flavor to my braided brioche?

Try these variations to enhance your brioche:

• Sweet Additions: Chocolate chips, cinnamon, orange zest, or vanilla extract.
• Savory Twist: Add shredded cheese, herbs, or even garlic butter for a delicious savory brioche.
• Filled Brioche: Spread Nutella, jam, or cream cheese on each strand before braiding.

Try This Braided Brioche Recipe!

This braided brioche recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating with family or enjoying a quiet morning by yourself. The process is easy to follow, and the result is a stunning loaf of soft, buttery bread with a beautifully golden crust. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that’s sure to impress anyone who gets a slice. Happy baking, and enjoy your homemade brioche!

Looking for more delicious breakfast ideas? Check out our [Breakfast Category] for more easy and tasty recipes!

Last updated: [March 15, 2025].