Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a recipe that combines the rich flavors of brioche, vanilla custard, and chocolate chips? These Decadent Vanilla Custard Brioches with Chocolate Chips are the perfect treat for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and create something truly delicious!

Ingredients

For the Brioche Dough:

• 2 cups + 1 tablespoon (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (30g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.35 ounces (10g) fresh yeast, crumbled
• 3 eggs (150g), beaten
• 2/3 cup (165g) unsalted butter, softened and diced

For the Vanilla Custard (Pastry Cream):

• 1 cup + 2 teaspoons (25 cl) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 vanilla pod
• 2 yolks
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 3 tablespoons (20g) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Filling and Brushing:

• 3/4 cup (120g) mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 ml) water
• 1 large egg + 1 yolk, beaten

Directions

For the Brioche Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a kitchen aid with a paddle attachment, add the flour, sugar, salt, and crumbled yeast. Mix quickly to combine.
2. Add Eggs: Add the beaten eggs and knead for about 2-3 minutes at medium speed until the dough becomes strong and thick.
3. Incorporate Butter: Gradually add the diced butter while the mixer is running at medium speed. Continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is dense, smooth, and slightly sticky, about 20 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with cling film, and let it rise in a warm room for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Chill and Freeze: Flatten the dough into a rectangle, wrap with cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for about 40 minutes to 2 hours. Then, freeze for 20 minutes to make it easier to handle.

For the Vanilla Custard:

1. Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter on medium heat. Add the vanilla pod and its seeds.
2. Whisk Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the yolks with sugar, flour, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
4. Thicken Custard: Return the mixture to the pan and cook on low-medium heat, whisking until thickened.
5. Chill Custard: Transfer to a clean bowl, cover with cling film touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate.

For Assembly:

1. Roll Dough: Roll out the dough on a parchment-lined surface into an 8×12 inch rectangle.
2. Add Custard and Chocolate: Spread the custard over half of the dough, then sprinkle with chocolate chips.
3. Fold and Cut: Fold the dough over, cut into 8 rectangles, and place them on a baking sheet. Let them rise for another 2 hours.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the brioches for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Brush with Syrup: While the brioches are baking, make a syrup by heating sugar and water together until the sugar dissolves. Brush this syrup over the hot brioches as soon as they come out of the oven for a beautiful glossy finish.

Total Time:

• Prep Time: 3 hours
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 12 minutes

These Vanilla Custard Brioches with Chocolate Chips are a delightful blend of rich, buttery dough and creamy custard, with the added decadence of chocolate chips. They’re perfect for a special breakfast, a fancy brunch, or a luxurious dessert. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful treats!