Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches that Wow!

Introduction to Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to find the perfect balance between delicious treats and practicality. That’s where my Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches come into play! These delightful pastries are soft and creamy, filled with rich vanilla custard and melting chocolate chips. They’re not only a fantastic idea for breakfast or brunch but also a wonderful way to impress your loved ones. Trust me, when you serve these scrumptious brioches, everyone will be asking for the recipe—and you’ll know it didn’t take you hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are a game-changer for any busy kitchen. They bring together the creamy bliss of custard and the comforting sweetness of chocolate in every bite. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll create an irresistible treat that feels fancy yet is perfect for everyday enjoyment. Your family will love them—trust me, they won’t last long!

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Gathering the right ingredients for these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your brioche. A good all-purpose flour gives structure and fluffiness.
• Sugar: Sweetness is vital here! Sugar enhances the flavor and helps with browning during baking.
• Salt: Just a small amount boosts the overall taste, balancing the sweetness of the pastry.
• Fresh yeast: Crumbled fresh yeast is crucial for that lovely rise. It adds a light texture to the dough.
• Eggs: These not only add richness but also contribute to the brioche’s structure and moisture.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a velvety texture in the dough. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Whole milk: This enriches the dough and custard, making everything more luscious and creamy.
• Vanilla pod: Real vanilla adds an aromatic touch that elevates the flavor of your custard. If you’re in a pinch, you can use vanilla extract instead.
• Egg yolks: They contribute to the custard’s richness and color. Make sure to save the whites for another recipe!
• Cornstarch: This thickens the custard, giving it that perfect creamy texture.
• Mini chocolate chips: These are the stars of the show! They melt beautifully and add bursts of chocolate goodness.
• Sugar and water: For the syrup, these two ingredients create a glossy finish that makes the brioches shine.
• Additional egg and yolk: A quick egg wash gives your brioches a lovely golden color.

For exact measurements, feel free to check the bottom of this article, where I’ve made the recipe available for printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches is a delightful journey. Each step brings you closer to these soft, creamy pastries that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the process, shall we? I promise I’ll guide you through each part, making it simple and enjoyable!

Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough

First things first, let’s make the brioche dough. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and crumbled yeast. This is the foundation of your brioches!

Next, add the beaten eggs and mix until it forms a thick texture. The dough should start coming together. Now, here’s a tip: introduce the softened butter gradually. Keep mixing until it becomes dense, smooth, and just a touch sticky. Don’t rush this—kneading can take up to 20 minutes, but it’s essential for that perfect brioche!

Step 2: First Rise

Once the dough is ready, it’s time for its first rise. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for about 2 hours. You want it to double in size.

The magic happens during this time. The yeast activates, creating bubbles of air within the dough. A good indicator that it’s ready? Gently poke it with your finger—if the indentation remains, your dough is perfect for the next step!

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

Now let’s whip up that luxurious vanilla custard! In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter while adding the split vanilla pod and its seeds. It should get bubbly, releasing a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen.

Meanwhile, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour in a separate bowl. Once your milk mixture is hot enough, carefully pour it over the egg mixture while whisking continuously—this is key to avoiding scrambled eggs!

Return it to the heat and stir until it thickens. It should be creamy, not too runny. Give it a taste; can you smell the vanilla? Once it’s perfect, transfer it to a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill. We want it cool for spreading later!

Step 4: Shape the Brioches

Now comes the fun part—shaping your brioches! Roll out your dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cooled custard over half of it, and sprinkle those mini chocolate chips generously! Chocolate lovers rejoice!

Next, fold the dough in half. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice it into 8 equal rectangles. These will be your brioches, just waiting to rise and puff up beautifully. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them again for another 2-hour rise. They’ll become fluffy little pockets of bliss!

Step 5: Brush and Bake

It’s baking time! Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Before they go in, brush the risen brioches with the egg and yolk mixture. This will give them a gorgeous golden color while baking.

Carefully place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Look for that lovely golden brown hue. The smell? Oh my, it will be irresistible! While they’re baking, prepare a sugar syrup by boiling water and sugar until it dissolves. This will add a delightful shine once your brioches are done.

Step 6: Serve

After baking, let the brioches cool for a few minutes, then brush on that sugar syrup for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.

Let them cool completely before serving. These luscious pastries are perfect on their own, or you can enjoy them alongside your favorite coffee or tea. Trust me, whether it’s breakfast or brunch, your family will be raving about these delightful Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches!

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better dough texture.
• Don’t rush the kneading process; it’s important for developing gluten.
• Keep an eye on the custard—stir continuously to prevent lumps!
• Allow ample rising time; this improves the texture and flavor of your brioches.
• Brush the brioches with syrup while warm for a beautiful finish.

Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer: A great tool for kneading, but you can use your hands if needed.
• Paddle attachment: This makes mixing easier—if you don’t have one, any mixing tool will do.
• Rolling pin: A must for rolling out dough; you can also use a wine bottle!
• Baking sheet: Essential for baking; a regular cookie sheet works just fine.
• Saucepan: Necessary for the custard; any medium-sized pot will work well.

Variations

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft custard.
• Fruit-Filled: Substitute chocolate chips with fresh berries or diced apples for a fruity twist on your brioches.
• Whole Wheat Option: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a heartier version that adds flavor and fiber.
• Vegan Swap: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk and butter for a delicious vegan version.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm, aromatic flavor that makes these brioches perfect for fall.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

• Pair with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for a delightful breakfast experience.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich brioches.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
• Offer a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent brunch treat!

FAQs about Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Can I use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast for the brioches?

Absolutely! You can substitute fresh yeast with instant yeast. Just use about half the amount specified for fresh yeast since instant yeast is more concentrated. It works beautifully, and your brioches will still rise perfectly!

How do I store leftover brioches?

Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider wrapping them tightly and freezing. Just warm them up before serving for that fresh-baked taste!

Can these brioches be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and custard the night before. After shaping the brioches, cover them and place them in the refrigerator overnight. Simply let them rise before baking the next day, and you’ll have warm, flaky pastries ready for your breakfast!

Can I try different fillings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with fillings. Nutella, almond paste, or even a blend of fruits can be used instead of custard and chocolate chips. Just remember to adjust the amount based on different fillings to ensure they don’t overflow!

Why did my brioches not rise as expected?

There are a couple of reasons this might happen. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active, and check that you allow enough rising time in a warm environment. If your kitchen is too cold, try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to give it the warmth it needs!

Final Thoughts

Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches isn’t just about baking; it’s a delightful experience. The aroma wafting through the kitchen, the anticipation of a warm pastry fresh from the oven, and the joy on your loved ones’ faces are priceless. These golden treasures filled with creamy custard and sweet chocolate chips have the power to turn an ordinary morning into a special occasion. Trust me, whether it’s a simple family breakfast or a fancy brunch gathering, these brioches will steal the show. So roll up your sleeves and embark on this sweet journey—you won’t regret it!

Print