Golden-brown braided brioche loaf studded with melted chocolate chips, resting on a wooden board, surrounded by scattered chocolate chips and a knife for slicing

How to Make Chocolate Chip Brioche

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How to Make Chocolate Chip Brioche

Introduction

Chocolate Chip Brioche is a decadent and buttery bread enriched with chocolate chips, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack. Originating from France, brioche is known for its soft texture and rich flavor due to the generous use of eggs and butter. Adding chocolate chips elevates this classic bread into a delightful treat that is both comforting and indulgent. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Chocolate Chip Brioche, provide tips to perfect the recipe, and answer common questions about this delicious bread.

Ingredients for homemade Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread, including flour, eggs, butter, milk, sugar, yeast, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips arranged on a kitchen counter.
Gather all your ingredients before you start the secret to smooth and joyful brioche baking!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 350 grams (2 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 50 grams (4 tablespoons) caster sugar
  • 9 grams (2 1/2 teaspoons) instant dried yeast
  • 75 milliliters (5 tablespoons) full cream milk, lukewarm
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • 3 grams (1/2 teaspoon) fine table salt
  • 120 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened

For Filling:

  • 100 grams (1/2 cup) chocolate chips

For Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • Splash of water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast using a dough hook attachment. If using active dry yeast, bloom it first by mixing it with lukewarm milk and sugar for 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add lukewarm milk and eggs to the dry ingredients. Knead for 3 minutes on medium speed until combined. Add salt and knead for another 2 minutes.

2. Incorporate Butter

  1. Gradually add softened butter in small chunks while kneading on high speed. Ensure each piece is fully incorporated before adding the next. This process may take up to 15 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test.

3. First Proofing

  1. Cover the dough with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap and let it proof in a warm place for about 1½ hours or until doubled in size.

Shape the Dough

  1. Punch down the risen dough to release gas and transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into equal portions (e.g., eight pieces). Flatten each piece slightly and place chocolate chips in the center before folding edges inward to form balls. Roll each ball to create tension in the dough for an even shape.

5. Second Proofing

  1. Arrange the dough balls in a greased loaf pan or baking tray in a zigzag pattern. Cover with a tea towel and let them proof again for 30–45 minutes until they rise further.

6. Bake the Brioche

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the brioche with egg wash for a golden crust and sprinkle additional chocolate chips if desired.
  2. Bake for 20–30 minutes or until risen and golden brown.
  3. Let cool completely before slicing or serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A: Yes! Active dry yeast requires blooming in lukewarm liquid with sugar before adding it to the dough mixture.

Q: How do I know my dough has proofed enough?
A: The dough should double in size during proofing stages. If you gently press it with your finger, it should spring back slowly.

Q: Can I substitute chocolate chips with other fillings?
A: Absolutely! You can use chopped nuts, dried fruits like raisins, or even flavored spreads such as Nutella.

Q: Why is my brioche not soft?
A: Ensure you knead the dough sufficiently to develop gluten structure and incorporate butter properly for a tender texture.

Q: How long can brioche be stored?
A: Store brioche at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.

Golden-brown Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread loaf fresh from the oven, showing a soft, fluffy texture and melted chocolate chips.
The perfect finish: soft, golden, and filled with melty chocolate chips this brioche bread is pure comfort.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Brioche combines the richness of traditional French bread with the sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a versatile treat suitable for any occasion. While making brioche requires patience due to its proofing stages, the results are well worth the effort—soft, buttery bread with pockets of melted chocolate that delight every bite. With this recipe and tips provided, you can confidently bake your own Chocolate Chip Brioche at home and impress family and friends with this bakery-worthy creation!

quikykitchen

Enjoy the rich, fluffy finish of this Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread—freshly baked, golden brown, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. The perfect sweet bread for any occasion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar divided
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk warmed to 100–110°F
  • 10 tbsp unsalted butter softened, cubed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 1 tbsp milk for egg wash

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • In a stand mixer bowl, add flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix briefly to combine.
  • Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
  • Gradually add the softened butter, one cube at a time, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated.
  • Knead the dough on medium speed for 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  • Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead in the chocolate chips.
  • Shape the dough into a loaf or braid, then place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet.
  • Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for another 45–60 minutes, or until puffy.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash.
  • Brush the top of the dough with egg wash and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Make sure your milk is warm (100–110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
Room temperature eggs and butter incorporate more easily into the dough for a smoother texture.
If your dough feels too sticky, avoid adding extra flour. Lightly flour your hands and surface instead.
For best flavor and texture, refrigerate the dough after the first rise and bake the next day.
Use high-quality chocolate chips or chunks for the best melt and flavor inside the bread.
You can braid the dough or bake it in a traditional loaf pan—both yield beautiful results.
Add orange zest, chopped nuts, or dried fruits for fun flavor variations.
Bread is done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
Cool the bread fully before slicing to keep it soft and airy inside.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Citations:

  1. https://amybakesbread.com/chocolate-chip-sourdough-brioche/
  2. https://uglyducklingbakery.com/chocolate-chip-brioche/
  3. https://www.abakingjourney.com/chocolate-chip-brioche-bread/
  4. https://cnz.to/recipes/bread-brioche/chocolate-chip-brioches-recipe/
  5. https://www.onesarcasticbaker.com/chocolate-chip-brioche-bread/
  6. https://midwifeandlife.com/chocolate-chip-brioche/
  7. https://mariefoodtips.com/en/chocolate-chip-brioche/
  8. https://emilylaurae.com/chocolate-chip-brioche/
  9. https://thepracticalkitchen.com/chocolate-chip-brioche-bread/
  10. https://corrigansisters.com/chocolate-chip-brioche-rolls/