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The Magic of Homemade Chocolate Chip Brioche
Baking homemade Chocolate Chip brioche bread is truly magical. It’s a calming process that ends in a delicious, tender sweet bread. It’s perfect for any time.
What Makes Brioche So Irresistible
Brioche’s charm comes from its rich, buttery flavor and soft crumb. Its high egg and butter content makes it luxurious. It’s great for breakfast or dessert, always impressing.
My Journey with This Decadent Recipe
My adventure with this sweet bread recipe started with a goal to make the perfect treat. After many tries, I perfected the recipe. Now, I share it with loved ones, who love the effort I put into it.
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Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 large braided loaf (8–10 slices)
Description
This homemade braided chocolate chip brioche is a soft, buttery sweet bread filled with rich chocolate chips. With its golden crust, tender crumb, and beautiful braided shape, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Brioche Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (high protein)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
For the Chocolate Filling
- 1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts or 1 tsp orange zest
For the Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- Optional: 1 tbsp pearl sugar or chopped nuts
Instructions
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Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and yeast. Add eggs and butter. Mix with a dough hook until a sticky dough forms.
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Knead: Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, melt chocolate chips with a splash of heavy cream (optional) to create a smooth chocolate filling. Let it cool.
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Shape and Braid: Divide dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each into a rope. Braid by crossing the right rope over the middle, then the left over the middle, continuing to the end.
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Second Rise: Transfer braid to a lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 1–2 hours.
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Egg Wash and Topping: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Beat egg with water and brush over the loaf. Add pearl sugar or chopped nuts if using.
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Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Cool and Serve: Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise for easier handling and deeper flavor.
- You may substitute chocolate chips with chopped chocolate bars for richer pockets of chocolate.
- Practice braiding with a small portion of dough first if you’re new to the technique.
- Avoid over-kneading or braiding too tightly to maintain a soft texture.
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chocolate chip brioche, braided brioche, homemade brioche, brioche bread, sweet bread, chocolate bread
Essential Ingredients for Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche Recipe
To make a stunning Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche, you need a few key ingredients. These ingredients are vital for its taste and texture. The quality of these ingredients greatly affects the final product, making it a truly decadent chocolate chip pastry.
For My Buttery Brioche Dough
The foundation of a great brioche is its dough. It requires:
- High-quality all-purpose flour with a good protein content
- Granulated sugar to balance the flavors
- Active dry yeast for the perfect rise
- Eggs, which contribute to the richness and moisture
- Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, for that tender crumb
- Add a small amount of salt to bring out the dough’s full flavor profile.
Using high-quality ingredients ensures your brioche dough is light, airy, and full of flavor.
Chocolate Filling Components
For the chocolate filling, you’ll need:
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips, which provide a deep, rich flavor
- Optional: chopped nuts or orange zest to add texture and depth
Baking with chocolate chips means choosing a chocolate you love. It will be a key flavor in your brioche.
Finishing Touches for That Perfect Shine
To give your Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche a beautiful finish:
- An egg beaten with a little water for egg wash
- Optional: pearl sugar or chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
To make the perfect braided chocolate chip brioche, you need to follow a few steps. These steps include mixing, kneading, braiding, and baking the dough.
Mixing and Kneading the Perfect Dough
First, mix together flour, yeast, sugar, eggs, and butter in a big bowl. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them mix well.
Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix until it’s sticky. Kneading is key to get the dough right. Knead for 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Kneading Tips: Don’t overwork the dough. Knead just until it’s right. Overworking makes the brioche dense.
First Rise and Chocolate Preparation
Once the kneading is complete, transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm environment. It takes 1-2 hours for it to double in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the chocolate filling. Melt dark chocolate and mix it with heavy cream for a smooth filling.
My Foolproof Braiding Technique
Braiding makes the brioche look beautiful. Start by dividing the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each into a long rope.
To braid, cross the right rope over the middle, then the left over the middle. Keep going until you reach the end.
Creating the Perfect Braid Pattern
For a uniform braid, keep the ropes even and not too tight. This prevents the dough from tearing. Gently stretch the braid to even it out and tuck the ends under the loaf.
Don’t make the ropes too thick or too thin. Braiding too tightly can stop the dough from rising. Keep your ropes consistent and braid gently.
Second Rise and Baking to Golden Perfection
After braiding, place the loaf on a baking sheet.Drape plastic wrap over the top and let the dough rest for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. Then, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden.
The aroma of freshly baked brioche is irresistible! Let the loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
FAQ
What type of chocolate chips are best for the Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche Recipe?
Choose high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best taste. Try milk chocolate chips or mix different types for a unique flavor.
Can I make the brioche dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead. After the first rise, refrigerate it overnight or freeze for up to a month. Thaw and let it rise again before braiding and baking.
How do I achieve the perfect braid pattern?
For a beautiful braid, gently stretch and braid the dough. Avoid overworking it. Practice braiding a small piece of dough before the actual recipe.
Conclusion: Savoring Every Bite of Your Homemade Brioche
When you first bite into your homemade brioche, the softness and buttery taste are amazing. It’s a treat you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
If you enjoy soft, rich pastries like this brioche, you’ll also love these Gorditas de Nata, a traditional Mexican treat with a creamy, tender texture.