If you have ever dreamed of biting into a bread so tender, so light, it practically melts in your mouth, then this Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. This brioche is not just any bread—it’s a buttery, soft, slightly sweet masterpiece that elevates breakfast, brunch, or teatime into a truly special occasion. I promise you, once you try this recipe, fluffy, pillowy brioche will become a beloved staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together simply yet beautifully, each playing an essential role in creating that iconic brioche softness and rich flavor. From the active dry yeast that gives lift and puff, to the butter that infuses the dough with incredible tenderness, every item here helps build the magic in this Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe.
- Warm milk (1/2 cup, 110°F or 43°C): Activates the yeast and adds moisture for that soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds balanced sweetness and helps feed the yeast.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp or 1 packet): The power behind your brioche’s wonderful rise.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups, plus extra for dusting): Forms the sturdy yet tender base of your dough.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Large eggs (4): Add richness, moisture, and help leaven the dough.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened and cut into pieces): Creates that irresistibly soft and buttery texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Gives a subtle aromatic sweetness to the brioche.
- Egg (1 for egg wash): Brushed on top to achieve a golden, glossy crust.
How to Make Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin your brioche journey by sprinkling the yeast over the warm milk. Let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy. This signals the yeast is alive and eager to work wonders in the dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once your yeast mixture is frothy, add it to a mixing bowl along with the eggs and vanilla extract. Using a dough hook on low speed, combine these ingredients to start forming your dough base.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Slowly incorporate the softened butter into the dough while continuing to mix. Knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky—about 10 minutes. If it feels too sticky, add a pinch of flour, but be careful; too much flour can make your brioche dense rather than fluffy.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a warm, draft-free spot and cover it loosely. Let it rise for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic of airiness begins to develop, giving your brioche that cloud-like quality.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into your preferred form. Whether you choose a classic loaf or cute individual rolls, this step is where your brioche starts to take shape.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place your formed dough into a greased loaf pan or baking dish and allow it to rise again until it puffs up noticeably. This second rise ensures your final brioche will be ultra-light and airy.
Step 7: Prepare the Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water to make a shiny egg wash. Brush it generously over the dough to create a golden-brown, glossy crust as it bakes. Bake your brioche, watching closely; if it browns too quickly, tent it with foil to keep the top from burning.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your brioche cool slightly before slicing. This resting time helps the texture set perfectly, making every bite delightfully fluffy and delicious.
How to Serve Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of the Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe is that it pairs wonderfully with simple garnishes. A pat of high-quality butter or a spoonful of homemade fruit jam can elevate each slice, highlighting the brioche’s buttery and subtly sweet flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your brioche alongside fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, or a drizzle of honey for a light yet decadent meal. It also complements savory dishes like eggs and bacon, bringing a rich contrast that balances breakfast or brunch menus beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your brioche into a showstopper by turning it into French toast, sandwiching it with creamy nut butter and ripe fruit, or using it as the base for mini sliders. Its soft and pillowy texture makes it versatile for all kinds of creative presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover brioche can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without losing its soft texture. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing
If you want to keep your brioche fresh longer, freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This can preserve that precious fluffiness for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy fresh brioche anytime.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm brioche slices in a toaster or oven to revive their soft texture and delicious aroma. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make the bread rubbery or dry.
FAQs
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour in this Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe?
Yes, you can use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works beautifully to keep the brioche tender and soft, which is what makes this recipe truly fluffy and cloud-like.
Why is my brioche dough sticky? Is that normal?
Absolutely! Brioche dough is meant to be a bit sticky and soft because of the high butter and egg content. Just lightly flour your hands or surface for shaping to manage stickiness without adding too much flour that could toughen the bread.
Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?
While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier and more effective, you can also knead by hand. Just expect the process to take a bit longer and be prepared for a little more elbow grease for that silky texture.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
It should roughly double in size during the first rise. A simple touch test is to press the dough lightly with your fingertip—if the indentation stays visible or slowly springs back, it’s ready for the next step.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe?
Definitely! Try adding citrus zest, cinnamon, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to the dough for exciting variations. Just incorporate them after the first kneading, before the first rise, so they disperse evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe is truly a love letter to classic French baking made simple and approachable. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing loved ones, the soft, buttery fluffiness of this brioche will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. So roll up your sleeves, savor the process, and enjoy the heavenly results—happy baking!
Print
Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf or 8-10 rolls
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Fluffy Cloud Brioche recipe yields a soft, tender, and buttery bread perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Made with warm milk, active dry yeast, eggs, and plenty of unsalted butter, this brioche boasts a rich flavor and an airy texture that melts in your mouth. Ideal for loaf or rolls, it features an egg wash finish for a golden, shiny crust.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
Fats
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk (at 110°F or 43°C) and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, mix on low speed until a dough forms.
- Add the Butter: Incorporate the softened butter pieces gradually into the dough while continuing to mix. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. If too sticky, add flour carefully to adjust.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a warm spot, cover it, and let it rise for 1.5 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it either as a single loaf to fit a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or divide it into smaller portions for individual rolls placed on a greased baking dish or sheet.
- Second Rise: Allow the shaped dough to rise a second time until puffed and nearly doubled.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: Beat the reserved egg with a tablespoon of water and brush this mixture over the risen dough for a beautiful golden and shiny finish.
- Bake the Brioche: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the brioche for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown. If the top browns too fast, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brioche from the oven and allow it to cool before slicing. Serve with your favorite jam or butter, or enjoy it plain to savor the buttery flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- The dough should be slightly sticky; avoid adding too much flour to keep it soft and light.
- For even baking, ensure the dough is well risen before baking.
- Using room temperature eggs and butter helps create a better dough texture.
- Egg wash gives a glossy and appetizing finish to the brioche crust.
- Brioche can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
