Description
Homemade Orange Brioche is a soft, buttery French bread infused with fresh orange zest and juice, giving it a fragrant aroma and subtle citrus sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an elegant afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: honey or coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
In a bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest. Add yeast mixture, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla. Mix until dough forms.
- Gradually add softened butter, kneading 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1.5–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, then shape into a loaf, braid, or rolls. Place in a greased pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 1 hour, or until nearly doubled.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush top with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown and hollow when tapped.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Fresh orange zest and juice provide the best flavor.
- Bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.
- Dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise.
- Shape as a loaf, braid, or individual buns for variety.
- Freeze slices or whole loaf for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 loaf)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
