MILK BRIOCHE ROLLS

by

These Milk Brioche Rolls are incredibly soft, fluffy, and buttery with a tender crumb and a beautifully golden crust. Made with enriched dough containing milk, butter, and eggs, these bakery-style rolls are perfect for breakfast, dinner, sandwiches, or holiday meals. Fresh from the oven, they’re delicious served with butter, jam, or honey.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Rise Time: 2 hours
  • Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 4 cups (500g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (105–110°F / 40–43°C)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Optional Toppings

  • Melted butter
  • Sesame seeds
  • Poppy seeds
  • Flaky sea salt

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9×13-inch baking pan or large baking tray
  • Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Pastry brush
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Warm milk
  • Sugar
  • Active dry yeast

Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.

If using instant yeast, you can skip this step and mix it directly with the flour.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Bread flour
  • Salt

Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla (if using).

Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Add the softened butter a little at a time, kneading well after each addition.

Continue kneading for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic.

If the dough is sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s manageable, but avoid adding too much flour.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Let it rise in a warm place for 1½–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough to release the air.

Divide it into 12 equal pieces.

Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling the edges underneath and pinching them together.

Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the pan loosely.

Let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until they are puffy and nearly doubled.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6: Egg Wash

Whisk together:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Brush the tops of the rolls gently with the egg wash.

If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).

If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil during the last 5–10 minutes.

Step 8: Finish

Remove the rolls from the oven.

Brush the tops with melted butter while they’re still warm for a soft, shiny finish.

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Softest Brioche Rolls

  • Use bread flour for a chewier, bakery-style texture.
  • Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
  • Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic—this develops the gluten needed for soft, fluffy rolls.
  • Allow both rises to complete fully for the best volume.
  • Brush with melted butter immediately after baking to keep the crust soft.

Flavor Variations

Honey Brioche Rolls

Replace 2 tablespoons of the sugar with honey for a subtle floral sweetness.

Cinnamon Sugar Rolls

Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before shaping.

Garlic Herb Rolls

Mix 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley into the melted butter used for brushing after baking.

Cheese Brioche Rolls

Add 1 cup shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère to the dough before the first rise.

Chocolate Chip Brioche

Fold ¾ cup mini chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet breakfast treat.

What to Serve With

These rolls are delicious with:

  • Butter
  • Strawberry or raspberry jam
  • Honey
  • Nutella
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Fried chicken
  • Roast turkey
  • Beef stew
  • Soup
  • Ham and cheese sandwiches

Storage

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days

Leave a Comment