Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe

If you’re craving something light, buttery, and downright dreamy, look no further than this Fluffy Cloud Brioche! Imagine pulling apart a soft, pillowy bun with your hands, the gentle sweetness filling the air, and that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite. That’s what this brioche is all about—soft as a cloud, rich with butter, and just sweet enough to make it feel like a special treat. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast with a little jam, as the perfect sandwich base, or simply on its own with a cup of coffee, this recipe will transport you to bread heaven. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Fluffy Cloud Brioche

Let’s break down exactly why this brioche will quickly become your go-to recipe:

Light & Airy Texture

Brioche has the unique quality of being both rich and airy at the same time, thanks to its buttery dough and careful kneading. Each bite is like biting into a cloud—soft, light, and heavenly.

Rich Flavor

The addition of butter, eggs, and a touch of sweetness gives this brioche an irresistible, almost cake-like richness that makes it stand out from regular bread. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving it at a brunch gathering, pairing it with soups and stews, or simply savoring it on a cozy afternoon, this brioche fits just about every occasion.

Great for Beginners

Though brioche can sound fancy and intimidating, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for baking newbies. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can bake your own fluffy, buttery brioche at home.

Ingredients

Let’s get started! Here’s everything you’ll need to make this soft and sweet Fluffy Cloud Brioche:

For the Brioche Dough:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure.
• Instant yeast: For the rise and fluffiness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Whole milk: Used to activate the yeast and make the dough soft and tender.
• Eggs: Essential for richness, flavor, and a soft crumb.
• Unsalted butter: The key to that melt-in-your-mouth richness!
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor (optional but highly recommended).

For the Egg Wash:

• Egg: To give the brioche a golden, glossy finish.
• Water: To dilute the egg for the perfect egg wash consistency.

Instructions

Ready to bake? Here’s how to create your own fluffy cloud of brioche:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F), 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 packet of instant yeast. Stir to combine and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast starts to bubble and foam.

Next, add 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt to the yeast mixture. Mix it all together with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky (but not sticky). Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 7 minutes.

Once the dough is ready, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter—in small chunks—into the dough. Continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth again. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Yes, it will be a bit sticky, but that’s the magic of brioche!

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours in a warm spot, or until it doubles in size. Patience is key here!

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they’re close enough to each other for support as they rise.

Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes, allowing the dough to rise again.

Step 5: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the egg wash over the top of the brioche dough for that beautiful golden finish.

Step 6: Bake the Brioche

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the brioche for about 20-25 minutes, or until it turns a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the brioche cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy the magic of homemade brioche!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 230-250 (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 rises)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours

How to Serve Fluffy Cloud Brioche

This brioche is incredibly versatile, so here are some great serving ideas:

• With Jam or Nut Butter: Spread some strawberry jam or almond butter for a simple, heavenly treat.
• As a Sandwich: Use it as the perfect base for breakfast sandwiches or even sliders. It’s buttery enough to complement any filling.
• On Its Own: Serve slices warm with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple indulgence.
• With Coffee or Tea: The light sweetness and fluffy texture make it the ideal pairing for your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Additional Tips

• Kneading is Key: The longer you knead, the fluffier your brioche will be. You want that dough to be as smooth and elastic as possible.
• Butter, Butter, Butter: The butter gives the brioche its signature richness, so don’t skimp on it! Make sure it’s softened for easier incorporation into the dough.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, let your eggs and butter come to room temperature before using them.
• Don’t Rush the Rise: Let the dough rise properly. It might take a little longer than expected, but trust me—it’s worth the wait!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this brioche ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make the dough the night before, let it rise, then punch it down and shape it. Cover it and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking the next day.

Q2: Can I freeze the brioche dough?
A2: Absolutely! After the first rise, shape the dough and freeze the individual balls. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw and rise for about an hour before baking.

Q3: Can I substitute the butter with something else?
A3: Brioche relies heavily on butter for both flavor and texture, but you can try using margarine or even a dairy-free butter alternative for a different option.

Q4: Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
A4: Yes! Brioche might sound intimidating, but this recipe is beginner-friendly, and as long as you follow the steps carefully, you’ll end up with soft, buttery bread that will impress anyone.

Q5: Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
A5: Absolutely! Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’ll be a little workout, but the results will be totally worth it!

Q6: How can I tell when my brioche is done baking?
A6: The brioche should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips or other fillings to this brioche?
A7: Yes! Add some chocolate chips or cinnamon sugar after the first rise, then fold them into the dough before shaping and baking for a fun twist.

Q8: Can I make smaller individual brioche rolls instead of one large loaf?
A8: Definitely! Just divide the dough into smaller pieces and shape them into buns. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly—check them after 15-20 minutes.

Q9: Can I make this brioche without eggs?
A9: While eggs are an essential part of brioche’s rich flavor and texture, you could try substituting with a flax egg or other egg replacers, but the result might vary in texture.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store any leftover brioche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage!

Conclusion

This Fluffy Cloud Brioche is a showstopper of a bread—light, buttery, and perfectly sweet with every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just indulging in something delicious, it’s the kind

of bread that will make you fall in love with baking all over again. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or use it for the best breakfast sandwiches ever. Happy baking!

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