This soft and chocolatey brioche is the perfect blend of fluffy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Made with a mix of sweet dough and a swirl of cocoa, it’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. The orange zest adds a subtle brightness that complements the chocolate beautifully, making each bite irresistible. With its pillowy soft crumb and rich taste, this brioche will elevate your baking repertoire to new heights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This brioche offers a perfect balance of flavors, combining the sweetness of the dough with the deep, rich taste of chocolate. The use of orange zest adds a refreshing hint that brightens up the richness, making it feel indulgent yet light. The soft texture is a result of the enriched dough, which uses butter and milk for a tender crumb. Plus, this recipe is versatile: it’s perfect with your morning coffee or as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.
Perfect Occasion
This soft and chocolatey brioche is ideal for any time you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself. It makes a wonderful addition to weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or even as an afternoon snack. Whether served warm with a drizzle of chocolate spread or sliced alongside a hot cup of tea, this brioche is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its soft texture and beautiful swirls make it visually stunning for special gatherings.
Decoration Tips
To enhance its presentation, consider brushing the baked brioche with a bit of warm milk or melted butter for an added shine. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for a classic look or drizzle it with melted chocolate for a more decadent touch. Serve with some whipped cream on the side or fresh berries for an added burst of color and flavor. For a festive twist, consider adding a few candied orange slices on top.
Ingredients for Soft and Chocolatey Brioche:
- 480g Manitoba flour
- 2 eggs
- 100g sugar
- 180g milk
- 60g butter, cut into pieces
- Zest of one organic orange
- 10g fresh yeast
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Chocolate spread, as desired
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in the warm milk.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and orange zest. Add the milk-yeast mixture and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Divide the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal parts, about 400g each.
- Dissolve the cocoa powder in a tablespoon of milk and mix it into one half of the dough until fully incorporated, creating a chocolate dough.
- First Rise:
- Place both doughs in separate bowls, cover them with a cloth, and allow them to rise in a warm place for 3-4 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Brioche:
- After the dough has risen, follow the shaping instructions from the video or roll the two doughs together for a marbled effect. Place the shaped dough in a greased or lined loaf pan.
- Second Rise:
- Let the dough rise in the loaf pan for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake the Brioche:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the top of the brioche with a little milk.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the brioche cool slightly before serving. You can spread it with chocolate cream or enjoy it as is.
Enjoy your soft and chocolatey brioche!