Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread

Soft, buttery, and just sweet enough, this Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread is a rich and pillowy loaf studded with melty chocolate chips. With its golden crust and tender crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Enjoy it sliced and toasted with a pat of butter, or turn it into the most decadent French toast you’ve ever had.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Buttery – Classic brioche texture with extra chocolatey goodness.
Versatile Treat – Great for snacking, toasting, or turning into bread pudding.
Beautiful Crust – Golden, shiny, and soft.
Freezer-Friendly – Bake now, enjoy later.
Kid-Approved – Sweet, soft, and filled with chocolate chips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Stand mixer with dough hook (recommended)
Loaf pan (9×5 inch) or brioche mold
Pastry brush
Plastic wrap or kitchen towel

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm milk with a pinch of sugar and the instant yeast.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy (optional if using instant yeast, but helpful).

Step 2: Make the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the eggs and yeast mixture. Mix on low until the dough comes together.
Increase speed to medium and knead for 4–5 minutes.
Add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
Continue kneading for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.

Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips & Shape
Punch down the dough and fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
Turn onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a loaf or divide into balls and place in a brioche mold.
Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.

Step 5: Second Rise
Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy and risen.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven & Add Egg Wash
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Whisk together 1 egg and 1 tbsp milk, then brush the top of the dough for a glossy finish.

Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is deep golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Step 8: Cool & Slice
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Brioche Bread
Use Room Temperature Eggs – They mix more easily into the dough.
Knead Long Enough – The dough should be smooth and slightly stretchy.
Don’t Skimp on Butter – It’s key to that classic brioche texture.
Fold Chocolate Chips Evenly – For sweet bites in every slice.
Cool Before Slicing – Cutting too soon can make it gummy.

Serving Suggestions
Toasted with Butter – A simple and indulgent start to the day.
French Toast – Thick slices make amazing French toast or bread pudding.
Nutella Spread – For double chocolate goodness.
With Coffee or Tea – A cozy pairing any time of day.
As Dessert – Add a scoop of ice cream or drizzle with caramel.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Can last up to 5 days, but may dry out slightly—toast before serving.

Freezing:
Slice and freeze with parchment between slices.
Reheat in a toaster or warm in the oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I knead the dough by hand?
Yes, but it will take 15–20 minutes. The dough is soft and sticky, so a stand mixer is easier.

2. Can I use mini chocolate chips?
Absolutely—they spread out more evenly and melt into the dough beautifully.

3. Can I make it overnight?
Yes. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring to room temp, shape, and do the second rise before baking.

4. Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes, though it will be sweeter and softer in flavor.

5. Is this bread very sweet?
It’s subtly sweet, like a bakery-style brioche. For more sweetness, increase sugar to ⅓ cup.

Final Thoughts
Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread is the kind of bake that feels like a warm hug—soft, buttery, and flecked with rich chocolate in every slice. Whether you serve it warm for breakfast or as a sweet treat after dinner, this loaf is guaranteed to impress with its irresistible aroma and tender texture.

Bake it once, and you’ll find endless reasons to make it again!

Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus rising time)
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, 1 of 10):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Sodium: 180mg

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