Are you looking to impress your guests with a show-stopping bread that’s both delicious and visually stunning? Look no further than these 18 decadent brioche bread recipes, perfect for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or even just a cozy Sunday brunch. With their rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb, these loaves are sure to become new family favorites.
From classic French-inspired flavors to creative twists like maple pecan and matcha green tea, there’s something on this list for every palate. And with recipes ranging from simple loaves to elaborate braids and buns, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your next gathering.
Classic French Brioche Loaf
A rich and buttery bread that’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or just snacking. This classic recipe yields a tender, golden-crusted loaf with a delicate flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add softened butter and beaten egg to the dough. Mix until smooth and elastic.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Swirl Brioche Bread
Start your day with a decadent treat – this rich chocolate swirl brioche bread is the perfect breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Stir to dissolve yeast.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Punch down dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Brioche Cinnamon Rolls
These soft, buttery, and oh-so-sweet brioche cinnamon rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. The addition of caramelized sugar and warm spices takes them to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
3. Knead dough on floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
4. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Roll out dough, spread with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon mixture.
7. Roll up tightly; cut into 12-15 rolls.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar while still warm.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Brioche French Toast Casserole
Start your day off right with this decadent breakfast casserole, featuring the rich flavors of brioche bread and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Add the brioche bread cubes to the egg mixture and stir until coated.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and dot with melted butter.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional) before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Poppy Seed Brioche
Brighten up your breakfast or brunch with this sweet and tangy Lemon Poppy Seed Brioche. This tender, buttery bread is infused with the brightness of lemon zest and the crunch of poppy seeds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and poppy seeds to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Brioche Hamburger Buns
These soft and airy buns are infused with the rich flavors of French buttery brioche, making them the perfect accompaniment to your favorite burgers.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into disk shape. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Pecan Brioche Braid
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this sweet and buttery Maple Pecan Brioche Braid. Flaky, tender pastry filled with the rich flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F – 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Combine warm milk and yeast in a small bowl; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter to dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
4. Whisk in egg, maple syrup, and yeast mixture.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Divide dough into three equal pieces; braid.
7. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet; let rise for 1 hour.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C); bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Brioche Donuts with Vanilla Glaze
Start the day with a sweet treat that’s sure to impress – these buttery brioche donuts smothered in a creamy vanilla glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Vanilla glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead dough on floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness; use donut cutter or glass to cut shapes.
6. Fry donuts in hot oil (350°F) for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
Vanilla Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix glaze ingredients together until smooth; drizzle over cooled donuts. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Savory Garlic and Herb Brioche
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this savory garlic and herb brioche, perfect for a special occasion or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add lukewarm milk, eggs, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Brioche Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Transform leftover brioche into a decadent dessert by turning it into a bread pudding, then drizzling with a sweet and sticky caramel sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed brioche bread
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Add the cubed brioche bread and toss until evenly coated with the mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving warm with caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Blueberry Cream Cheese Brioche
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this sweet and savory blueberry cream cheese brioche recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
– 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, beaten eggs, and melted butter.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12×8-inch rectangle. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the center third of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on either side. Top with blueberries.
7. Roll up the dough tightly and place seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another hour.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Brioche Dinner Rolls with Honey Butter
Elevate your dinner table with these tender, buttery brioche rolls slathered in a sweet honey butter. Perfect for accompanying roasted meats or soups.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 3 tablespoons active dry yeast
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– Honey butter ingredients (below)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead dough on floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down dough and shape into rolls. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Meanwhile, mix softened butter with honey to taste.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Raspberry Almond Brioche Twist
Raspberry Almond Brioche Twist Recipe Summary:
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this sweet and savory twist on classic brioche, featuring the perfect balance of tart raspberries and nutty almonds.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
- Add lukewarm milk and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough and spread raspberry jam, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle almonds on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired). Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Brioche Apple Fritters
These tender and crispy fritters combine the richness of brioche dough with the sweetness of apples, perfect for a fall afternoon or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2-3 apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or other tart variety)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients; mix until a smooth dough forms.
5. Fold in chopped apples.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough into hot oil; fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain fritters on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Matcha Green Tea Brioche
Experience the harmony of Japanese matcha green tea and French brioche techniques in this unique recipe. The subtle bitterness of the matcha is perfectly balanced by the richness of the buttery dough, creating a sophisticated pastry perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) bread flour
– 2 teaspoons matcha powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup (55g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and milk.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
5. Knead for 10 minutes, then shape into a round loaf.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Brioche
Elevate your breakfast game with this rich and buttery Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Brioche. This sweet and savory treat is perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12 oz) can of refrigerated brioche dough
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the brioche dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Spread the crumbled bacon and grated cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the edges of the dough up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Place the brioche on the prepared baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Brioche Pumpkin Spice Loaf
This rich and aromatic loaf combines the comfort of brioche with the warmth of pumpkin spice, perfect for a cozy fall afternoon. With its tender crumb and hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this sweet bread is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
– 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, egg, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
5. Fold in melted butter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cranberry Orange Brioche Bread
Start your day with a sweet and tangy twist on traditional brioche, infused with the flavors of cranberries and orange.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– Zest of 1 orange (about 2 teaspoons)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, cranberries, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your baking game with these 18 decadent brioche bread recipes perfect for special occasions. From classic French loaves to sweet treats like chocolate swirl bread and blueberry cream cheese brioche, there’s something for everyone. Try savory options like garlic and herb or bacon and cheese stuffed brioches, or indulge in sweet bakes like brioche donuts with vanilla glaze or pumpkin spice loaf. With these recipes, you’ll be the star of any brunch or dinner party. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of luxury with these indulgent brioche creations.
