Chocolate Chip Brioche Recipe: Soft, Buttery Loaf

Brioche bread with chocolate chips

Brioche is prized for its rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor. This version folds chocolate chips into classic brioche dough for a sweet, irresistible loaf. You can shape it as a single loaf, bake two smaller loaves, or divide the dough into individual rolls for portable treats. It also makes exceptional French toast or a decadent bread pudding when sliced and soaked.

Ingredients

For best results, bring all ingredients to room temperature and, if possible, weigh them with a kitchen scale. Notes and substitutions are listed with each ingredient.

• All-purpose flour — unbleached. For structure and tender crumb.
• Instant dry yeast — you can substitute active dry yeast or fresh baker’s yeast; adjust quantities per package directions.
• Granulated sugar — a small amount (about 1/4 cup) to sweeten the dough.
• Salt — balances flavor and strengthens gluten.
• Lukewarm milk — whole, 2%, or skim; water can be used in a pinch.
• Large eggs — room temperature for even mixing and richness.
• Unsalted butter — softened, cut into pieces. Do not use frozen butter; vegan margarine works if needed.
• Chocolate chips — semi-sweet, milk, dark, or white, according to preference.
• Beaten egg — for brushing the loaf before baking to achieve a glossy, golden crust.

How to make chocolate chip brioche loaf

This recipe follows standard enriched-dough techniques: combine, knead until smooth, proof, fold in the chocolate, shape, and bake. Keep the dough warm for reliable rising.

Step One: Make the dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, eggs, and lukewarm milk. Mix on low for about 3–4 minutes until the ingredients come together.
2. Increase mixer speed to medium-high. Add the softened butter one piece at a time, allowing about 10–15 seconds between additions so each piece incorporates fully.
3. Continue mixing for 10–15 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic; when properly kneaded it will pull away cleanly from the bowl and stretch thin without tearing.
4. Lightly oil the mixing bowl, return the dough, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1.5–2 hours. For an overnight option, refrigerate the dough to slow fermentation and develop flavor.

Step Two: Add chocolate and shape the loaves

This gentle folding method incorporates chocolate chips without crushing them and keeps the dough light.

1. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Sprinkle half the chocolate chips over the dough.
2. Gently stretch and fold the dough over itself several times to distribute the chips. Add the remaining chips and repeat, folding until chips are distributed evenly.
3. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into an approximate 8×8-inch square using your hands.
4. Fold the bottom third up over the center, then fold the top third down to meet it, sealing the seams. Tuck and shape so each piece fits into a greased 8-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the tops with beaten egg and allow the loaves to rise again until nearly doubled, about 1.5–2 hours.
6. Bake on the middle rack at 350°F (180°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 180°F (82°C) in the center and the crust is a deep golden brown with a glossy sheen.

Tip: If your oven runs hot or has uneven heat, place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to protect the bottom crust from over-browning.

Storing and Freezing

Store the cooled loaf at room temperature, wrapped or in a bread bag, for up to 3 days. Refrigeration can dry enriched breads, so reheat slices briefly in a toaster or warm oven if needed. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to four weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

More sweet bread ideas

If you enjoy this Chocolate Chip Brioche, try other enriched breads such as cinnamon rolls, sweet challah, or a filled babka. These recipes use similar dough techniques and offer a variety of flavors and shapes.

Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread Recipe