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MILK BRIOCHE ROLLS

Heavenly Milk Brioche Rolls: Pillowy Softness for Every Occasion

MILK BRIOCHE ROLLS

Indulge in the luxurious world of Milk Brioche Rolls. These delectable rolls are more than just your average dinner accompaniment; they're a symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine soft, pillowy dough that melts in your mouth, enriched with a touch of sweetness and a delightful hint of richness. Made with readily available ingredients and a bit of patience, these Milk Brioche Rolls are guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Luxurious Dough:

  • 2/3 cup heavy cream, at room temperature (adds richness and enhances tenderness)
  • 1 cup milk, plus 1 tablespoon, at room temperature (whole, 1%, or 2% milk works)
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature (binds the ingredients)
  • 1/3 cup sugar (a hint of sweetness that complements the richness)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (or a blend of cake flour and bread flour for a lighter texture)
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (or instant yeast) – activates for a beautiful rise
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (balances the sweetness and enhances flavor)

For the Glaze and Finishing Touches:

  • Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water) – creates a golden brown sheen
  • Simple syrup (1 tablespoon sugar dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water) – adds a touch of sweetness and shine
  • Optional:
    • Melted butter (for greasing the baking pans)

Instructions:

  • Awakening the Dough: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, begin by whisking together the wet ingredients: heavy cream, milk, egg, and sugar.
  • Building the Dough Structure: Next, add the dry ingredients: flour, yeast, and salt. Turn your mixer on low speed and gradually increase to medium speed. Knead the dough for 15 minutes. The dough will be slightly sticky, but it should pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a smooth ball. If using a stand mixer, occasionally stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  • A Patient Rise: Once kneaded, cover the dough with a damp cloth and find a warm spot for it to rise. Ideally, the dough should double in size, which takes about 1-2 hours. A clever trick is to proof the dough in a closed microwave with a mug of just-boiled water next to it, creating a warm and humid environment that encourages rising.
  • Shaping the Brioche Magic: While the dough rises, prepare your baking pans. Grease two loaf pans, two 9-inch round pans, or a combination of both with melted butter or cooking spray.
  • Deflating and Shaping: After the dough has doubled in size, transfer it back to the stand mixer and knead for another 5 minutes to release any air bubbles that may have formed during rising.
  • Unleashing Your Creativity: On a lightly floured surface, gently dump the dough and cut it in half. Here's where you can get creative with shaping your rolls!
    • Loaf Option: Shape each dough half into a rough rectangle, then cut each rectangle into three equal pieces. Place these pieces in your prepared loaf pan.
    • Round Pan Option: Divide each dough half into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball or shape them into ropes that you can twist into buns. Arrange them evenly in your round pan.
    • The Beauty of Choice: Feel free to experiment! You can make 2 loaves, 16 rolls, or a combination of loaves and rolls, depending on your preference.
  • Second Rise: Once shaped, cover the dough loosely with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise for another hour. This allows the shaped rolls to reach their final size before baking.
  • Preheat and Bake: While the rolls undergo their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking. For even baking, arrange a rack in the center of your oven.
  • Golden Perfection: Once preheated, brush the risen rolls with the prepared egg wash. This creates a beautiful golden brown sheen when baked. Bake the rolls for 23-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
  • Sweet Touches: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with the simple syrup. This adds a touch of sweetness and extra shine to the finished rolls.
  • Savor the Brioche Bliss: Let the rolls cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. This allows the interior to set and prevents them from becoming crumbly. The warm, fluffy texture of these rolls is truly irresistible! Enjoy them on their own for a delightful breakfast treat, or elevate any meal by serving them alongside soups, stews, or even salads.

Beyond the Basics:

  • Breakfast Brilliance: Toast the rolls and spread them with butter, jam, Nutella, or even a touch of honey for a decadent start to your day.
  • Dinner Delight: Warm the rolls alongside a comforting bowl of soup or stew. The rich, buttery flavor of the brioche perfectly complements savory dishes.
  • Sandwich Sensations: Slice the rolls in half and create gourmet sandwiches filled with roasted vegetables, cheese, or your favorite deli meats.
  • Sweet Surprise: Split the rolls open and fill them with whipped cream and fresh berries for a delightful dessert.

Tips & Tricks for Flawless Brioche:

  • Temperature Matters: Using room temperature ingredients ensures even incorporation into the dough, resulting in a smoother texture. Take the chill off your milk, cream, and egg by letting them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before starting.
  • The Power of Patience: Don't rush the rising process! Allow the dough ample time for both rises. This is crucial for achieving that signature airy and light texture in your brioche rolls.
  • Creating a Cozy Haven: If your kitchen is on the cooler side, consider creating a warm and humid environment for the dough to rise. The microwave trick mentioned earlier works well, or you can place the dough in a preheated oven (turned off) with a pan of hot water sitting on the bottom rack.
  • Freezing for Later Enjoyment: These rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them gently in a warm oven before serving.
  • Embrace Experimentation: Play around with different shapes for your rolls. You can form the dough into knots, braids, or even small individual rolls.
  • A Hint of Flavor: For a savory twist, try adding a handful of grated parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) to the dough before kneading.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to becoming a brioche-baking pro! With a little practice and a touch of creativity, you can transform simple ingredients into these heavenly Milk Brioche Rolls, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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