🥐 MILK BRIOCHE – Fluffy Like a Cloud & Super Soft

📝 Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 ¼ tsp (7g) instant yeast
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Activate yeast (optional if instant):
   Mix warm milk + 1 tbsp sugar + yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough:
   In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
   Add eggs, milk, and yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms.
3. Knead:
   Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
   Add butter gradually (very important!) and keep kneading until soft, elastic, and slightly sticky.
4. First rise:
   Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled.
5. Shape:
   Divide into equal balls and place in a greased loaf pan or baking dish.
6. Second rise:
   Cover and let rise again for 45–60 minutes until puffy.
7. Egg wash:
   Brush with 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk for a golden finish.
8. Bake:
   Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

✨ Tips for SUPER softness:

• Don’t add too much flour (slightly sticky = perfect)
• Knead well until stretchy (windowpane test)
• Use soft butter, not melted
• Let it rise fully for that “cloud” texture