Simple Brioche Loaf

By

This is so easy to make. The bread machine does most of the work!

  • 15 mins
  • 195 mins

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package active dry yeast (= 2 1/2 teaspoons)

Preparation

Step 1

Bread Machine:
Add all ingredients in order to a bread machine. Set on the dough cycle. When cycle is done (usually 1 1/2 hours for most bread machines) proceed to step 6.

By Hand:
1) Heat the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it's just warm (110-115F). Remove pan from heat and pour milk into a small bowl. Stir in the yeast and 1 cup of the flour.

2) Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.

3) Combine the butter, sugar, salt and eggs in a mixer bowl with a paddle attachment (or food processor). Add remaining 1 1/2 cups flour and process until smooth.

4) Add the yeast mixture and process again until smooth.

5) Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

6) Shape the dough into a loaf and place into 8 1/2 or 9 inch non-stick loaf pan or in a glass loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Cover the pan with a clean dish towel and allow to rise for about an hour in a warm location free of drafts.

Preheat the oven to 375. Using a sharp knife, score the loaf length wise. Then score the loaf 3 times at equal intervals across. This makes a professional looking loaf and helps it bake evenly. (It can be left plain if desired.)

Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden. Remove from pan and place the loaf on its side on a cooling rack. Alternate side after 5 minutes (this prevents the loaf from compressing).