Treat yourself to these delightful Lemon Brioches, light and fluffy pastries with a refreshing lemon glaze that makes them perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. The soft, buttery dough is infused with zesty lemon, creating a delicate balance of sweetness and tartness that’s both comforting and invigorating. These brioches are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate, making them a perfect addition to any meal or gathering.
Why You’ll Love This: These Lemon Brioches offer a unique twist on the classic brioche with their bright lemon flavor, making them a refreshing alternative to traditional pastries. The dough is rich and buttery, yet light and airy, while the lemon glaze adds a delightful sweetness with just the right amount of tang. They’re easy to make and bring a touch of elegance to any occasion.
Perfect Occasion: Perfect for a cozy breakfast, a special brunch, or an afternoon tea, these Lemon Brioches are versatile enough to suit any occasion. They also make a lovely homemade gift or a sweet treat to share with friends and family.
Decoration Tips:
- Extra Zest: For a vibrant finish, sprinkle additional lemon zest over the glaze while it’s still wet.
- Sugar Dusting: Dust the cooled brioches with a little powdered sugar before drizzling the glaze for an added touch of sweetness.
- Berry Garnish: Serve with fresh berries on the side to complement the lemon flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 50 g sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- 100 ml warm milk
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 50 g soft butter
- Zest of 1 organic lemon
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Optional: additional lemon zest
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, sift the flour and create a well in the center. Add the dry yeast to the well, sprinkle with a pinch of sugar, and pour about 2 tablespoons of warm milk over the yeast. Cover the bowl and let the yeast activate for about 10 minutes, until frothy.
- Mix the Dough:
- Once the yeast is activated, add the remaining sugar, salt, egg, soft butter, and lemon zest to the bowl. Pour in the rest of the milk and mix until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Brioches:
- After the dough has risen, lightly knead it on a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one. Cover and let them rest for another 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the dough balls with beaten egg yolk for a golden finish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and cover with a clean cloth to cool.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Optionally, add extra lemon zest for a more intense flavor.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brioches.
Enjoy your refreshing Lemon Brioches—light, fluffy, and bursting with the bright flavor of lemon!
