Ingredients:
Brioche Dough:
- 80 g whole milk (⅓ c.)
- 1 tsp. active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 160 g all-purpose flour (1 ⅓ c.)
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 42 g unsalted butter, room temperature (3 tbsp.)
Chai Filling:
- 42 g unsalted butter, softened (3 tbsp.)
- 70 g dark brown sugar (⅓ c.)
- 1 tsp. chai spice
Vanilla Icing:
- 120 g powdered sugar (1 c.)
- 2 tbsp. milk
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp. salt
Instructions:
- For the Brioche Dough:
- Warm milk in a microwave-safe measuring cup to 100°F / 38°C. Stir in yeast and sugar, letting it sit until foamy (~5 minutes).
- In a stand mixer with the dough hook, combine flour, salt, egg, and butter. Add in the yeast mixture once foamy.
- Mix on low for a minute and then on medium-high for 10 minutes, until the dough is elastic and clears the sides of the bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in the fridge overnight. For a same-day process, cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled (~1 hr).
- For the Chai Filling:
- Combine chai spice and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Shaping the Hearts:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C and prepare a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- After the dough rises, deflate gently and divide into 6 even balls (~55g each).
- On a floured surface, roll each ball into a 6 x 4" rectangle.
- Spread ½ tbsp. butter on each rectangle, then sprinkle with 1 tbsp. chai sugar mix. Roll tightly from the longer side, pinching ends.
- Extend the log to 5" and fold it in half. Slit down the center of the folded section, leaving the end intact. Unfold the cut sections to form a heart shape.
- Position hearts on the baking sheet, cover, and let rise until doubled (~30-45 minutes).
- Brush tops with egg wash or milk, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.*
- For the Vanilla Icing:
- Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk in a bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm hearts.
Serve and relish!
Note: Filling may seep onto the pan due to the heart shape; however, there'll be ample chai flavor within the hearts.
