Description
Homemade Orange Brioche is a rich, buttery French bread infused with fresh orange zest and juice, creating a soft, tender crumb with a fragrant citrus twist. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a refined 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
Activate yeast: Mix warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make dough: In a stand mixer with dough hook, combine flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest. Add yeast mixture, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla. Mix until dough forms.
- Add butter: Gradually incorporate softened butter, kneading 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
- First rise: Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and rise 1.5–2 hours until doubled.
- Shape: Punch down dough, then shape into loaf, braid, or rolls. Place in greased loaf pan or tin.
- Second rise: Cover and let rise 1 hour, until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush top with egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar if desired. Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow when tapped.
- Cool & serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for best flavor.
- Bread flour may be substituted for chewier texture.
- Dough can be refrigerated overnight after first rise for convenience.
- Shape into buns, rolls, or braids for variety.
- Avoid microwaving when reheating to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
