🍫 CHOCOLATE BRIOCHE – A Rich, Buttery Love Affair with Chocolate 😋
Brioche is a classic French pastry known for its rich, buttery crumb and pillowy-soft texture. Add chocolate to the mix, and you’ve got an irresistible treat that melts hearts with every bite. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or as an indulgent snack, this Chocolate Brioche will make you fall in love with baking all over again. Let’s dive into its sweet, silky world, where chocolate lovers meet pastry perfection. ❤️
🌍 A Bit of History
Originating from France in the 15th century, brioche was often called “pain bénit”, meaning “blessed bread.” Traditionally enriched with eggs and butter, it became a symbol of luxury and celebration. The addition of chocolate chips is a modern twist, influenced by the chocolate craze of the 20th century. Combining two timeless ingredients—brioche and chocolate—this version is a tribute to both tradition and indulgence.
🧈 Ingredients (Makes 1 large brioche or 2 medium loaves)
- 500 g strong bread flour
- 70 g granulated sugar
- 10 g salt
- 20 g fresh yeast (or 7 g instant dry yeast)
- 4 large eggs
- 150 ml warm milk (around 38°C)
- 150 g unsalted butter, room temperature, cubed
- 150 g dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
🧑🍳 Instructions & Method
1. Prepare the Dough (Love at First Mix 💕)
- In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in the warm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the eggs and yeast-milk mixture. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
- Gradually add the softened butter, a few cubes at a time, kneading well after each addition.
- Continue kneading until the dough is silky, elastic, and pulls away from the bowl (about 10–15 more minutes).
2. First Rise (Let the Dough Fall in Love 💘)
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
- Let rise in a warm place for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Alternatively, for deeper flavor, refrigerate the dough overnight (8–12 hours).
3. Add Chocolate (Sweet Temptation 🍫)
- Gently deflate the dough and knead in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Shape into a loaf, braid, or place into greased brioche tins or a loaf pan.
4. Second Rise (Romance Grows ❤️)
- Cover and let rise again for 45–60 minutes, or until puffy and just reaching the top of the pan.
5. Bake (Golden Bliss ✨)
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush the brioche top with a beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🥰 Formation & Presentation Ideas
- Shape into braided loaves for a traditional French look.
- Use mini brioche molds for personal servings—perfect for brunch tables.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a chocolate glaze for a show-stopping finish.
💌 Conclusion – A Chocolate Kiss in Every Bite
Chocolate Brioche is more than just a pastry—it’s a love letter to your taste buds. The buttery layers, soft crumb, and gooey chocolate bits create a symphony of flavor and texture that’s hard to resist. Whether shared with family, a sweetheart, or enjoyed solo with coffee, this brioche brings comfort, warmth, and a sweet reminder that life’s best moments are often baked.
💕 For Lovers of Brioche and Chocolate Alike
- Pair with espresso, hot chocolate, or a sweet dessert wine.
- Split it open and spread with hazelnut spread, jam, or butter for extra indulgence.
- Store leftovers (if any!) in an airtight container—toast the next day for a warm, melty treat.
Would you like a video version, image step-by-step, or mini brioche version too? 😍