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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Activate the Yeast**
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and warm water. Add the sugar and active dry yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.
#### 2. **Prepare the Dough**
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, honey (if using), and vanilla extract. Using a dough hook or a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
#### 3. **Knead the Dough**
Add the softened butter, a little bit at a time, to the dough. Once the butter is fully incorporated, continue to knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. If you’re using a stand mixer, set it to medium speed for kneading.
#### 4. **First Rise**
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
#### 5. **Shape the Brioche**
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into individual rolls, depending on your preference. To make a traditional loaf, simply shape the dough into a tight cylinder and place it into a greased loaf pan.
#### 6. **Second Rise**
Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for another 45-60 minutes, or until it has puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
#### 7. **Egg Wash**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of milk to create an egg wash. Gently brush the egg wash over the top of the risen dough to give it a beautiful golden color once baked.
#### 8. **Bake the Brioche**
Bake the brioche in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown on top. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re making individual rolls, they may bake a little faster, so keep an eye on them after 20 minutes.
#### 9. **Cool and Serve**
Once the brioche is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. If you’re making a loaf, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. For rolls, you can enjoy them warm from the oven.
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### Tips for Perfect Brioche Bread
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: For best results, ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting. This helps the dough come together more smoothly.
– **Don’t Skip the Rising Time**: Brioche dough needs time to rise and develop its light and airy texture. Be patient with both the first and second rises for the best results.
– **Add a Touch of Honey or Vanilla**: Brioche is traditionally a slightly sweet bread, but feel free to adjust the sweetness with a bit more honey or vanilla extract if you prefer.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise overnight in the fridge for a deeper flavor. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
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### Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spongy Brioche Bread
Brioche is much more than just a loaf of bread—it’s an experience! The rich, buttery flavor combined with the soft, spongy texture makes it perfect for so many occasions. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast with butter and jam, turning it into decadent French toast, or using it as a base for a fancy sandwich, this homemade brioche bread will elevate any meal. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about making such a delicious bread from scratch.
This sweet and spongy brioche bread recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. The combination of simple ingredients and a few hours of your time will reward you with a loaf (or rolls) of bread that’s warm, fragrant, and irresistibly delicious.
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**Enjoy your homemade brioche with a cup of coffee, as part of a breakfast spread, or simply on its own. It’s the kind of bread that brings a little extra joy to every bite!**
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