Oh, you guys, I can’t wait for you to try this one! Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are the kind of indulgent treat that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting in a Parisian café, sipping coffee and nibbling on a buttery, soft pastry. It’s a little sweet, a little custardy, and a whole lot of heavenly—trust me, your taste buds are going to be singing.
Picture this: soft, pillowy brioche dough swirled with a rich vanilla custard, dotted with melty chocolate chips that add a satisfying crunch and sweetness. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, so you don’t have to be a pastry pro to pull it off. You’re going to love this.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a special breakfast, hosting brunch with friends, or just craving something delicious for yourself, these brioches are sure to impress. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack. Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked brioches, or serving them at a gathering where everyone’s asking for the recipe.
Budget-Friendly: These brioches are made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. No need to splurge on exotic items. The result is a decadent pastry that doesn’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: If you’re new to baking, don’t worry. The steps are super straightforward and beginner-friendly. The most challenging part is resisting the urge to devour them as soon as they’re out of the oven!
Customizable: Feel free to play with the flavors! Want to add a swirl of cinnamon? Go for it. Or maybe some fresh berries? The possibilities are endless. Customize these to fit your mood.
Crowd-Pleasing: These brioches are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Everyone loves chocolate and vanilla, and when combined in a soft, buttery dough? Pure magic.
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches
Here’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, but the outcome is truly spectacular. Let’s break it down:
Brioche Dough: The buttery base of this recipe. Soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweetness. Brioche is like a hug in pastry form.
Vanilla Custard: A creamy, rich custard that brings extra sweetness and depth. It’s not just for filling; it’s the key to making these brioches irresistible.
Chocolate Chips: These are what make this recipe extra special. The little pockets of chocolate that melt into the warm dough are the perfect indulgence.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get baking! These steps will guide you through the process, and before you know it, you’ll have a batch of brioches that will make your kitchen smell like heaven.
1. Prepare the Brioche Dough: Start by preparing your brioche dough. This is the heart of the recipe, so make sure you take your time to knead it well. You want it soft, smooth, and just slightly sticky.
2. Make the Vanilla Custard: While the dough rises, whip up your vanilla custard. The custard is creamy, sweet, and full of rich vanilla flavor. It’s what gives these brioches that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
3. Assemble the Brioches: Once the dough has risen, roll it out and spread the vanilla custard across it. Then, sprinkle the chocolate chips generously. Carefully roll up the dough, slice into portions, and arrange them in your baking pan.
4. Let It Rise Again: Give the assembled brioches a second rise. This helps the dough get that soft, fluffy texture. It’s like giving the dough a little beauty rest before the big show.
5. Bake to Perfection: Pop the brioches into the oven and bake them until golden brown. They’ll puff up beautifully and turn a gorgeous shade of golden perfection. The smell? Oh, you’ll know when they’re ready.
6. Let Cool and Enjoy: Allow the brioches to cool just slightly before diving in. Trust me, these are best enjoyed warm, but you can always save some for later (if they last that long!).
(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches
These brioches are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair them with a hot beverage, and you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a cozy café.
Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries or slices of citrus fruit for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brioches.
Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: If you’re feeling indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s dessert taken to the next level.
Fresh Herbs or Nuts: For a slightly savory touch, sprinkle with some fresh mint or chopped hazelnuts. It adds a lovely crunch and a fresh element to the sweetness.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: The dough can be made the night before and refrigerated for an easy bake in the morning. It saves time and makes your morning routine feel extra special.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon to the dough or custard if you want a hint of warmth.
- Dietary Adjustments: If you need a dairy-free version, you can swap the butter and cream in the dough and custard with plant-based alternatives.
- Storage Tips: These brioches are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the oven before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?
A1: Absolutely! You could swap in chopped dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.
Q2: Can I make these brioches ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the dough and custard the day before and store them in the fridge. The next day, just assemble and bake.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
Q4: Can I freeze these brioches?
A4: Yes, these brioches freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger pan and adjust the baking time slightly.
Q6: Can I use a different type of custard?
A6: Sure! You can use a thicker pastry cream or even a store-bought custard if you’re short on time. The flavor will still be amazing.
Q7: How do I make the dough fluffier?
A7: The key to a fluffy brioche is proper kneading and letting the dough rise fully. Be patient, and let it rest in a warm place to get that airy texture.
Q8: Can I use a different type of flour?
A8: While it’s best to use all-purpose or bread flour for the structure, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Just keep in mind the flavor and density will change a little.
Q9: Can I make these brioches into smaller bites?
A9: Absolutely! If you prefer smaller portions, divide the dough into smaller pieces before rolling it up. Adjust the baking time slightly to accommodate the smaller size.
Q10: Can I add other fillings, like nuts or fruit?
A10: Yes! Feel free to get creative. Walnuts, pecans, or even a bit of fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries can make these brioches even more delicious.
Conclusion
There you have it—your new favorite sweet treat! These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, treating yourself to a cozy breakfast, or sharing them with loved ones, they’re bound to be a hit. Now, get ready to indulge in the most delicious, melt-in-your-mouth pastries you’ve ever had. Enjoy!
PrintChocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 brioches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are a delightful combination of soft, buttery brioche dough, rich vanilla custard, and decadent chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon treat. These homemade brioches are guaranteed to impress with their fluffy texture and indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
For the Brioche Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup milk, lukewarm
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Custard:
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Chocolate Chip Filling:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (optional, for extra chocolate flavor)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Brioche Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Add the softened butter, a little at a time, kneading it into the dough until fully incorporated. Continue kneading for another 5-7 minutes until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Vanilla Custard:
- In a saucepan, combine the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool.
3. Shape the Brioche Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball and create an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Spoon a small amount of vanilla custard into the center of each dough ball, then sprinkle with chocolate chips and a small dusting of cocoa powder (if using).
- Carefully pinch the dough around the filling to seal the custard inside.
- Place the filled dough balls into a greased baking pan or lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are close but not touching.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
- Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed and doubled in size.
5. Bake the Brioches:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the brioches with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the brioches in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brioches cool slightly before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the soft, buttery brioche with a burst of chocolate chips and creamy vanilla custard inside.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the brioche dough the night before. Let it rise in the fridge overnight, then proceed with shaping and baking the next day.
- Custard Tips: If the custard thickens too much, you can whisk in a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Chocolate Options: Feel free to use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate if preferred.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including dough rise time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: french
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brioche
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg