Brioche without Machine

Ingredients

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 6 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes and at room temperature
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center of the mixture.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix until the dough comes together it will be sticky.
3. Add the butter gradually, mixing well after each addition. Continue mixing until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes. You can use a dough scraper to help mix the dough if you have one.
4. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Punch down the dough and shape it into a ball or into small rolls or buns.
6. Place the dough into a greased loaf pan or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Brush the dough with egg wash.
10. Bake the brioche for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.

Verdict and Serving Suggestions

This brioche recipe without a machine is a delicious and decadent treat that is surprisingly easy to make at home. The rich, buttery flavor and light, fluffy texture make it perfect for breakfast, brunch or noshing throughout the day. You can serve it plain with coffee or tea or add your favorite toppings, such as butter, jam, honey or Nutella. You can also add some raisins or chocolate chips to the dough for some extra flavor. Enjoy!