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