Soft Loaf Recipe – How to Make the Fluffiest Brioche Ever

A Buttery, Pillowy Masterpiece Straight from Your Oven

If you’ve ever tasted authentic French brioche, you know it’s more than just bread—it’s bread elevated to an art form. Buttery, tender, and lightly sweet, brioche is the ultimate soft loaf that blurs the line between bread and pastry.

This Soft Loaf Brioche Recipe walks you through how to make the fluffiest, most melt-in-your-mouth brioche ever—right from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're slathering it with jam, turning it into French toast, or enjoying it warm from the oven, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time.

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🥖 What Makes Brioche Special?

Brioche is a classic French enriched bread, meaning it contains butter, eggs, and milk—ingredients that give it a soft, rich crumb and a golden crust. Unlike basic sandwich bread, brioche has a tenderness and elasticity that feels luxurious and decadent.

The secret to the perfect brioche? Time, patience, and really good butter.

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🧾 Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm whole milk

• 10 tbsp (140g) unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk (not hot!) with a pinch of sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready.

2. Mix the Dough

In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the eggs and yeast mixture. Mix on low until a rough dough forms.

3. Add the Butter (Gradually!)

Add the softened butter one cube at a time while the mixer is running. Don’t rush—let each piece incorporate fully before adding the next. Continue kneading on medium speed for 10–15 minutes until the dough is glossy, smooth, and elastic. It will be sticky—don’t worry!

4. First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled—about 1.5 to 2 hours.

5. Chill Overnight (Optional but Recommended)

For better flavor and easier handling, chill the dough overnight. This also helps firm up the butter, making shaping a breeze.

6. Shape and Second Rise

The next day, punch down the dough, divide it into 3 or 4 equal parts, and shape into balls or rolls. Place them in a greased loaf pan or braided pattern on a baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise again until puffy—about 1 to 1.5 hours.

7. Egg Wash and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg for that classic shiny crust. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until deep golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Let it cool slightly before slicing (if you can wait!). Enjoy warm with butter, jam, or just as is.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Classic: Warm slices with jam, honey, or Nutella

• Breakfast: Makes the best French toast you’ve ever had

• Savory: Use for gourmet sandwiches or croque monsieur

• Dessert: Turn stale slices into brioche bread pudding

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💡 Tips for Brioche Success

• Room temperature eggs and butter are essential for even mixing

• Don’t skip the kneading—this builds the gluten for that stretchy, soft crumb

• Let the dough fully rise for the fluffiest texture

• Chilling overnight develops flavor and makes the dough easier to work with

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🌟 Why You'll Love This Brioche

Once you make this brioche soft loaf at home, you'll never look at store-bought bread the same way again. It’s light yet rich, soft yet structured, and every bite tastes like it came straight out of a Parisian bakery.

This is more than a loaf of bread—it’s a labor of love, and once you taste it, you’ll know it was worth every step.

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Ready to bake? Tie on your apron, warm up your oven, and get ready to enjoy the fluffiest brioche ever.