The warm aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through my kitchen as I pull a tray of Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches from the oven. These delightful treasures are my go-to when I crave something a little more indulgent yet remarkably easy to whip up. Bursting with the rich creaminess of vanilla custard and pockets of melted chocolate, they transform any breakfast into a special occasion. Plus, the fluffy texture makes them a hit with family and friends, ensuring you’re never left with leftovers! Are you ready to embark on a baking adventure that will make your mornings a little sweeter? Why Are These Brioches Exceptional? Fluffy Texture: Sink your teeth into the incredibly light and airy brioches, a delightful contrast to their creamy filling. Decadent Flavors: The combination of rich vanilla custard with melty chocolate creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen! Even novice bakers can achieve delicious results. Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack; these brioches fit any occasion! For a heartier meal, consider pairing them with an iced coffee or your favorite tea. Crowd-Pleaser: Friends and family will adore these treats, making them the perfect recipe for gatherings or brunch events. Or check out my mouthwatering Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito for another hit! Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches Ingredients For the Dough All Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; can be adjusted based on preference. Active Dry Yeast – Leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for best results. Salt – Enhances flavor; crucial for balance in sweetness. Warm Milk (110°F/45°C) – Activates yeast and hydrates the dough; plant-based milk alternatives can be used, but texture may slightly vary. Large Eggs – Contributes to richness and helps with leavening; room temperature eggs are essential. Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and tenderness; substitute with margarine if dairy-free. Vanilla Extract – Provides flavor; use pure vanilla for the best taste. For the Custard Filling Whole Milk – Base for custard filling; can substitute with almond milk for a lighter texture. Granulated Sugar (for custard) – Sweetens the custard; adjust for taste. Egg Yolks – Enriches custard’s texture; cannot be substituted in the recipe. Cornstarch – Thickens custard filling; flour can be used as an alternative, but the result will differ. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Add delicious flavor and sweetness; swap for dark chocolate or a chocolate alternative if desired. For Finishing Beaten Egg (for egg wash) – Provides a golden finish; omit if vegan, consider a milk wash instead. Powdered Sugar (for dusting) – An optional aesthetic topping to enhance presentation. Dive into the baking magic of these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches and delight your loved ones with a batch that whispers comfort and joy! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/45°C) and active dry yeast, allowing it to sit until frothy, about 5–10 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, mix the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, followed by the yeast mixture. Gradually add all-purpose flour and salt, then fold in softened butter. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a stand mixer until it’s smooth and slightly sticky. Step 2: First Rise Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm location until doubled in size, which takes approximately 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when you gently poke it, and the indentation remains. Step 3: Prepare the Custard Filling In a saucepan, heat whole milk until hot but not boiling. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously, then return the mix to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Step 4: Assemble the Brioches Roll the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Evenly spread the cooled custard filling over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips generously on top. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, then slice it into equal pieces, placing the pieces cut-side up in a greased baking pan. Step 5: Second Rise Cover the assembled brioches with a kitchen towel and let them rise again until puffy, roughly 45 minutes. The dough should expand, giving you light and airy chocolate chip vanilla custard brioches. Step 6: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the brioches with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Step 7: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the brioches from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, then serve warm, relishing the delightful combination of soft brioche, creamy custard, and melty chocolate. What to Serve with Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches Nothing elevates a delightful brunch like pairing these warm, sweet treats with flavors that can truly shine. Fresh Berries: A vibrant medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing contrast, bursting with natural sweetness and tang. Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of vanilla or Greek yogurt brings a cool, creamy element, perfect for dipping or spreading onto the warm brioches. Café au Lait: This classic coffee drink, with its smooth blend of coffee and warm milk, perfectly complements the decadent richness of the brioches. Nutty Granola: The crunchiness of granola sprinkled on top or served on the side introduces a lovely texture that balances the softness of the brioches. Imagine serving these brioches warm, dusted with powdered sugar, alongside a vibrant fruit salad, creating a well-rounded breakfast that delights every sense. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A sweet touch of pure maple syrup adds a hint of earthy sweetness, enhancing the flavors while making each bite even more indulgent. Herbal Tea Infusion: A delicate cup of chamomile or mint tea can bring a calm, soothing finish to your meal, perfect following the richness of your treats. Chocolate Milk: For a fun twist, a glass of chilled chocolate milk can satisfy dessert cravings and pair seamlessly with the chocolate chips in the brioches. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream is a heavenly topping for serving with brioches, making them feel even more like a special occasion. Embrace the joy of sweet mornings by preparing a feast that shines alongside your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches! Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches Variations Feel free to get creative and tailor these brioches to suit your taste and dietary needs! Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative everyone can enjoy. The texture may differ slightly but can be equally satisfying. Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and margarine instead of regular dairy ingredients for a dairy-free delight. Almond or oat milk works wonderfully! Chocolate Twist: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate to change up the flavor profile. Each chocolate type brings its own unique sweetness! Fruit-Filled: Instead of chocolate, try using fruit preserves or fresh berries for a fruity custard filling. The vibrant colors and flavors add a special touch to these brioches. Nuts Addition: Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for an exciting crunch. The nutty flavors complement the sweet custard beautifully. Flavor Boost: Mix in a teaspoon of almond or orange extract into the custard for an unexpected burst of flavor. It elevates the overall aroma and taste, making it even more enticing! Overnight Convenience: Assemble the brioches and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for a warm, delightful breakfast experience. Perfect for weekends! Egg Wash Alternative: For a vegan option, omit the egg wash and brush the tops with a simple milk wash made with your favorite plant-based milk. It adds a lovely sheen without the eggs! Each variation offers a chance to put your spin on these charming treats. Want a hearty meal alongside? Check out my scrumptious Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito for some savory inspiration! Expert Tips for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a well-kneaded dough that rises beautifully. Cool Custard Filling: Allow the custard to cool completely before spreading it onto the dough to prevent melting and sogginess. Overnight Convenience: For richer flavors, consider refrigerating the assembled brioches overnight. Simply bake them the next morning! Perfect Egg Wash: Brush with egg wash just before baking for a shiny, golden finish that makes your brioches visually stunning. Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the brioches as they bake; overbaking can dry them out. Aim for a golden brown finish for that perfect texture. Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to swap in fruit preserves or different types of chocolate for unique flavor variations in your chocolate chip vanilla custard brioches! How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches Room Temperature: Keep brioches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and prevents them from drying out. Fridge: If you need to extend freshness, store them in the fridge for up to a week, but be aware they may lose some fluffiness. Make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid absorbing other odors. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze brioches in a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. Before freezing, ensure they’re completely cooled to prevent ice crystals from forming. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, then warm them in a microwave or oven for a few minutes. This will revive the delightful, soft texture of your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches! Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor delightful mornings with minimal effort! You can prepare the dough and let it rise up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it to prevent over-proofing. The custard filling can also be made ahead of time, stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the brioches as directed, let them rise for about 45 minutes, and then pop them in the oven for that freshly baked aroma. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy the same delicious taste without the rush! Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches Recipe FAQs What kind of flour should I use for brioches? For the best structure and texture, I recommend using all-purpose flour. If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly from the original recipe. How should I store my brioches? To keep your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, but be cautious—they can become less fluffy. Wrapping them tightly is crucial to avoid any absorption of odors. Can I freeze the brioches? Absolutely! For longer preservation, you can freeze your brioches. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a resealable freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven. What if my custard doesn’t thicken properly? If your custard filling isn’t thickening, it’s likely that the heat is too low or it wasn’t cooked long enough. To fix it, return the custard to medium heat while continuously stirring until it reaches your desired thickness. If it’s still too runny, you can mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold milk, then stir it into the custard and heat it until thickened. Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe? Yes, this recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy, and wheat. For a dairy-free version, you can use plant-based alternatives like almond milk and margarine. If you have a gluten allergy, swapping with gluten-free flour is a good alternative. Always double-check all products you use to ensure they meet your dietary requirements. What can I do if my dough isn’t rising? If your dough isn’t rising, ensure that the yeast is fresh and that the milk is at the correct temperature (around 110°F/45°C) to activate the yeast. A drafty or cold room can also hinder rising; try placing the dough in a warmer spot or turning the oven on low for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the dough inside covered. If it still doesn’t rise, it may be best to start over with new yeast. Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches for Sweet Mornings Indulge in Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches, a delightfully fluffy treat bursting with rich vanilla custard and melted chocolate. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsRising Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 12 briochesCourse: DessertCuisine: BakingCalories: 290 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough4 cups All Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Can be adjusted based on preference.2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure it’s fresh for best results.1 teaspoon Salt Crucial for balance in sweetness.1 cup Warm Milk 110°F/45°C, plant-based alternatives can be used.2 large Large Eggs Room temperature eggs are essential.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Substitute with margarine if dairy-free.2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Use pure vanilla for best taste.For the Custard Filling2 cups Whole Milk Can substitute with almond milk for a lighter texture.1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Adjust for taste.4 large Egg Yolks Cannot be substituted in the recipe.2 tablespoons Cornstarch Flour can be used as an alternative.1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Swap for dark chocolate if desired.For Finishing1 large Beaten Egg Provides a golden finish, omit if vegan.Powdered Sugar for dusting Optional aesthetic topping. Equipment Mixing bowlswhisksaucepanBaking PanKitchen towel Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a small bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast, allowing it to sit until frothy, about 5–10 minutes.In a large mixing bowl, mix the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, followed by the yeast mixture.Gradually add all-purpose flour and salt, then fold in softened butter.Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a stand mixer until it’s smooth and slightly sticky.Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm location until doubled in size, about 1 hour.In a saucepan, heat whole milk until hot but not boiling.In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously, then return to the saucepan.Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.Roll the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.Spread the cooled custard filling over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.Roll into a log shape, and slice into equal pieces, placing cut-side up in a greased baking pan.Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise again until puffy, roughly 45 minutes.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush tops with beaten egg and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.Remove from oven and let cool slightly in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, then serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1briocheCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure all ingredients are at room temperature for better results. Allow custard to cool completely before spreading to prevent sogginess. Consider refrigerating assembled brioches overnight for richer flavors. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
