Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Introduction

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are the epitome of indulgence and comfort, combining the buttery richness of brioche dough with the creamy, decadent vanilla custard and the delightful bursts of chocolate chips. These aren’t just pastries; they’re a symphony of flavors and textures that elevate any breakfast, brunch, or dessert experience. Imagine biting into a soft, golden brioche, followed by the smooth, velvety vanilla custard studded with melty chocolate chips—it’s a truly divine treat that’s hard to resist.

This recipe holds a special place for me. I first created it as a way to bring a touch of luxury to everyday moments. The process of making the brioche dough, patiently waiting for it to rise, and then filling it with homemade vanilla custard is incredibly rewarding. The aroma that fills the kitchen as these brioches bake is simply intoxicating, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes every occasion feel special.

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are perfect for those times when you want something a little extra special. They’re wonderful on their own, warm from the oven, or served alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For an even more decadent experience, try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re looking for a pastry that will impress your family and friends, this is the one to make!

Perfect for:

Weekend brunches
Special occasions
Dessert gatherings
A delightful afternoon treat
Show-stopping baking projects

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Here’s why Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches will become a favorite in your kitchen:

Exquisite Flavor: The combination of buttery brioche, smooth vanilla custard, and sweet chocolate chips creates an unforgettable taste sensation.
Impressive Presentation: These brioches look as good as they taste, making them perfect for special occasions and gatherings.
Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch with quality ingredients, these brioches offer a level of flavor and satisfaction you simply can’t get from store-bought pastries.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different types of chocolate chips, extracts, or toppings to create your own unique variations.
Comforting Aroma: The aroma of baking brioche and vanilla custard filling your home is guaranteed to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 4-5 hours (including rising time)
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Rising Time: 2-3 hours
Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 12 brioches
Calories per brioche: Approximately 450-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches:

For the Brioche Dough:

3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
¾ teaspoon salt
½ cup (120ml) whole milk, lukewarm
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Vanilla Custard:

2 cups (480ml) whole milk
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Chips:

1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Egg Wash:

1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk

Optional Toppings:

Powdered sugar
Sliced almonds
Pearl sugar

Ingredient Highlights:

Brioche Dough: Known for its rich, buttery flavor and soft, tender texture, brioche dough is the perfect base for these pastries.
Vanilla Custard: Made from scratch with whole milk, sugar, and egg yolks, the vanilla custard provides a creamy, indulgent filling that complements the brioche perfectly.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adding pops of sweetness and melty chocolate goodness, the chocolate chips elevate the brioches to a new level of deliciousness.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for creating the light and airy texture of the brioche dough, active dry yeast helps the dough rise properly.
Whole Milk: Used in both the brioche dough and the vanilla custard, whole milk adds richness and moisture, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches:

Make the Brioche Dough:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the lukewarm milk and beaten eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
Incorporate Butter: With the mixer running on low, gradually add the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, until fully incorporated. This may take 5-7 minutes. The dough will be very soft and sticky.
Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time, but be careful not to add too much.
First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, or until doubled in size.

Make the Vanilla Custard:

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
Cook the Custard: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and simmer.
Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly drizzle a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.
Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes.
Finish the Custard: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
Cool the Custard: Pour the custard into a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely cooled.

Assemble and Bake the Brioches:

Punch Down Dough: Once the brioche dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air.
Divide Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions.
Shape Dough: Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Flatten each ball into a circle, about 4 inches in diameter.
Fill with Custard: Place a generous spoonful of the chilled vanilla custard in the center of each circle. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Seal Brioches: Gently bring the edges of the dough up and over the custard, pinching to seal the brioche. Turn the brioche seam-side down and gently reshape it into a round bun.
Second Rise: Place the shaped brioches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffy.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash.
Brush with Egg Wash: Gently brush the tops of the brioches with the egg wash.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the brioches are golden brown.
Cool: Remove the brioches from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches can be served in various ways to elevate their presentation and flavor:

Warm and Fresh: Serve them warm from the oven for the ultimate indulgence, allowing the custard to be extra creamy and the chocolate chips melty.
With Coffee or Tea: Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Sliced and Toasted: Slice them in half and toast them lightly for a crispy exterior and warm, gooey interior.

Additional Tips for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Follow these tips for the best Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using quality ingredients, especially butter and vanilla extract, will significantly enhance the flavor of your brioches.
Be Patient with Rising Times: Brioche dough requires patience. Ensure that you allow enough time for both the first and second rises to achieve a light and airy texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Be careful not to overmix the brioche dough, as this can result in a tough pastry. Mix until just combined, and then knead until smooth and elastic.
Chill the Custard Completely: Chilling the vanilla custard thoroughly before filling the brioches will prevent it from melting too much during baking.
Seal the Brioches Tightly: Ensure that you seal the brioches tightly after filling them with custard to prevent any leakage during baking.
Brush with Egg Wash Evenly: Brush the tops of the brioches evenly with the egg wash to achieve a beautiful, golden-brown color.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the brioches while they’re baking to ensure they don’t overbake and become dry.
Let Them Cool Slightly: Allow the brioches to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to prevent the custard from being too hot.
Store Properly: Store any leftover brioches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat Gently: If you want to reheat the brioches, do so gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent them from drying out.

Recipe Variations for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Here are 10 variations to customize your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches:

Different Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or a combination of your favorites.
Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the brioche dough or vanilla custard for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Almond Extract: Substitute some of the vanilla extract with almond extract in the custard for a nutty twist.
Berry Filling: Replace the vanilla custard with a homemade berry filling, such as raspberry or blueberry.
Nutella Filling: Fill the brioches with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut delight.
Caramel Custard: Make a caramel custard by adding a homemade caramel sauce to the custard mixture.
Espresso Brioches: Add a shot of espresso to the brioche dough for a coffee-flavored pastry.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle the baked brioches with a maple glaze for a touch of sweetness.
Spiced Brioches: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the brioche dough for a warm, comforting flavor.
Savory Brioches: Omit the chocolate chips and vanilla custard and fill the brioches with savory fillings like cheese and herbs or sautéed vegetables.

Freezing and Storage for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Freezing: To freeze the brioches, let them cool completely after baking. Wrap each brioche individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, remove the brioches from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for several hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
Storage: Store any leftover brioches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain their freshness, avoid storing them in a warm or humid environment.

Special Equipment for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Here are some items that make preparing Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches easier:

Stand Mixer: Essential for kneading the brioche dough and ensuring a smooth, elastic texture.
Dough Hook Attachment: Used with the stand mixer to efficiently knead the dough.
Mixing Bowls: For combining and mixing ingredients.
Saucepan: For cooking the vanilla custard.
Whisk: Helps create a smooth and lump-free custard.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise measurements for both the dough and the custard.
Parchment Paper: Prevents the brioches from sticking to the baking sheet.
Baking Sheet: For baking the brioches in the oven.
Wire Rack: Allows the baked brioches to cool evenly.
Plastic Wrap: For covering the dough and custard during rising and chilling.

FAQ Section for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. There’s no need to proof it. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients.
Can I make the brioche dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What if my dough is too sticky?
Brioche dough is naturally sticky. Add flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together, but avoid adding too much.
Can I use store-bought vanilla custard?
While homemade custard is recommended for the best flavor, you can use a high-quality store-bought vanilla custard in a pinch.
How can I prevent the custard from burning?
Stir the custard constantly over medium heat to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan and burning.
Can I make these brioches without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can make the dough by hand, but it will require more time and effort to knead properly.
What’s the best way to store leftover brioches?
Store leftover brioches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I add other fillings to the brioches?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings like fruit compotes, Nutella, or even savory options like cheese and herbs.
How do I know when the brioches are done baking?
The brioches are done when they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C) is ideal.
Can I make these smaller, as brioche rolls?
Yes, you can absolutely make these smaller. Just divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are a delightful treat that brings joy and comfort to any occasion. The combination of the buttery brioche, creamy vanilla custard, and sweet chocolate chips is simply irresistible. The process of making these pastries may seem a bit involved, but the end result is well worth the effort.

What makes this recipe truly special is the ability to create something truly special from scratch. The aroma of baking brioche and vanilla custard filling your home is an experience in itself. The satisfaction of seeing the golden-brown brioches emerge from the oven, filled with creamy custard and melty chocolate chips, is incredibly rewarding.

Ideal for weekend brunches, special celebrations, or simply as a delightful afternoon treat, Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches will quickly become a favorite. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe! Don’t forget to share your delicious creations and tag me on social media—I love seeing how you make it your own! Enjoy every satisfying bite!