Easy Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche Recipe for Breakfast or Dessert

If you’re looking for a show-stopping baked treat that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, this Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche Recipe is for you! Brioche, with its rich, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor, is a French classic that’s perfect for everything from breakfast to dessert. Add a generous amount of chocolate chips and a stunning braided design, and you’ve got a recipe that’s sure to impress.

What is Brioche?

Brioche is a type of French bread that’s known for its tender crumb and rich flavor, thanks to the generous amount of butter and eggs in the dough. It’s incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on its own, as a base for French toast, or even as a sandwich bread. If you’re new to baking brioche, you might want to start with my Protein Pancakes (No Protein Powder) for a simpler, yet equally satisfying breakfast option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche takes the classic brioche to the next level. The dough is soft, fluffy, and packed with melty chocolate chips, while the braided design makes it look like it came straight from a bakery. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. If you love chocolatey treats, you’ll also adore my Chocolate Bento Cake Recipe, which is another crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert

One of the best things about this brioche is its versatility. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee for a decadent breakfast, or slice it up and enjoy it as a sweet dessert after dinner. It’s also a great addition to a brunch spread—pair it with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special treat.

Key Takeaway

This Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche is a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for both breakfast and dessert. With its soft, buttery texture and rich chocolate flavor, it’s a treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, the braided design makes it as beautiful as it is delicious!

Ingredients for Braided chocolate chip brioche recipe

To make this delicious Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, but I’ll also share tips for choosing the best options to make your brioche truly exceptional.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients, along with their measurements:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
All-purpose flour	3 ½ cups	Use high-quality flour for the best texture.
Granulated sugar	¼ cup	Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
Active dry yeast	2 ¼ tsp	Make sure it’s fresh for proper rising.
Warm milk	½ cup	Whole milk works best for richness.
Unsalted butter	½ cup (1 stick)	Softened to room temperature.
Eggs	3 large	Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Salt	1 tsp	Enhances the flavor of the brioche.
Chocolate chips	1 cup	Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best.
Egg wash (optional)	1 egg + 1 tbsp milk	For a shiny, golden crust.

Choosing the Right Chocolate Chips

The type of chocolate chips you use can make a big difference in the final flavor of your brioche. I recommend semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even chop up a bar of high-quality chocolate for extra richness.

Optional Add-Ins

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative with add-ins! Here are a few ideas:

• Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
• Citrus zest: Orange or lemon zest adds a refreshing twist.

Pro Tip: Prep Ahead

If you’re planning to serve this brioche for breakfast, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. This way, all you need to do in the morning is braid, bake, and enjoy!

If you’re in the mood for another comforting recipe, try my Creamy Chicken Ramen. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in.

Key Takeaway: The key to a perfect Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche lies in using high-quality ingredients and following the measurements carefully. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe with your favorite add-ins to make it your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche Recipe

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bring this Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche to life! Don’t worry if you’re new to baking—I’ll guide you through each step to ensure your brioche turns out soft, fluffy, and absolutely delicious.

Preparing the Brioche Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F) and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together, then increase the speed and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Adding the Chocolate Chips

1. Fold in the Chocolate: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the dough and knead lightly to distribute them evenly. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Braiding the Brioche

1. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12-14 inches in length.
2. Braid the Dough: Place the three ropes side by side and pinch them together at one end. Braid the ropes tightly, just like braiding hair, and pinch the other end to seal.
3. Second Rise: Transfer the braided dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it lightly and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it puffs up slightly.

Baking to Perfection

1. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Egg Wash (Optional): For a shiny, golden crust, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush this mixture lightly over the top of the braided dough.
3. Bake: Place the brioche in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
4. Cool and Serve: Let the brioche cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

If you’re looking for more savory recipes to balance out this sweet treat, try my Cavatelli with Broccoli for a comforting pasta dish or my Garlic Shrimp Gratin for a rich and flavorful seafood option.

Key Takeaway: The secret to a perfect Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche lies in taking your time with each step—properly activating the yeast, kneading the dough until smooth, and allowing it to rise fully. The result is a soft, fluffy, and beautifully braided bread that’s worth every minute!

Tips for the Best Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can take your Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche from good to absolutely amazing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these tips will help you nail this recipe every time.

Proofing the Dough Correctly

1. Use Warm (Not Hot) Liquid: When activating the yeast, make sure your milk is warm (around 110°F). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
2. Find a Warm Spot for Rising: Yeast thrives in a warm environment. If your kitchen is cool, place the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or near a sunny window to help it rise.
3. Don’t Rush the Rise: Let the dough double in size during the first rise. This ensures a light and airy texture. If you’re short on time, you can let it rise in the fridge overnight for a slower, more flavorful fermentation.

Achieving a Soft and Fluffy Texture

1. Knead the Dough Thoroughly: Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the brioche its structure. If using a stand mixer, knead for 8-10 minutes on medium speed. If kneading by hand, aim for 12-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Don’t Overload with Chocolate Chips: While it’s tempting to add extra chocolate chips, too many can weigh down the dough and make it harder to braid. Stick to 1 cup for the perfect balance.
3. Brush with Egg Wash: For a shiny, golden crust, don’t skip the egg wash. It adds a beautiful finish and a slight richness to the brioche.

Storing and Reheating

1. Store Properly: Once cooled, store the brioche in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. Freeze for Later: This brioche freezes beautifully! Slice it before freezing, then toast individual slices straight from the freezer for a quick and delicious treat.
3. Reheat for Freshness: To revive leftover brioche, warm it in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes. This will restore its softness and make it taste freshly baked.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Once your Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche is baked to golden perfection, it’s time to enjoy it! This versatile treat can be served in so many ways, and there are plenty of variations to keep things exciting. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

How to Serve Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche

Serving Idea	Description
Warm with Butter	Slice the brioche while it’s still warm and spread a little butter on top. Simple and delicious!
Dust with Powdered Sugar	For a touch of elegance, dust the brioche with powdered sugar before serving.
Drizzle with Glaze	Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or cream to make a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the brioche for extra sweetness.
Pair with Fresh Fruit	Serve slices of brioche with fresh berries, banana slices, or a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Turn into French Toast	Use leftover brioche to make decadent French toast. Dip slices in a custard mixture, fry until golden, and top with syrup.

Creative Variations

Variation	Description
White Chocolate Chips	Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
Add Nuts	Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
Cinnamon Swirl	Roll out the dough, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and roll it up before braiding for a cinnamon swirl effect.
Citrus Zest	Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist.
Cream Cheese Filling	Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese on the dough before adding chocolate chips for a rich, creamy filling.

Key Takeaway: This Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche is incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it warm with butter, drizzle it with glaze, or turn it into French toast, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. Plus, with so many variations, you can make this recipe your own!

Conclusion and Call-to-Action

Congratulations—you’ve made it to the end of this Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche Recipe guide! By now, you should feel confident in your ability to create this beautiful and delicious treat. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, this brioche is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• It’s Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• It’s Impressive: The braided design makes it look like it came from a bakery.
• It’s Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients or toppings to make it your own.

Final Tips for Success

• Take your time with each step, especially proofing the dough and braiding it.
• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations like adding nuts, citrus zest, or a cream cheese filling.

Share Your Results!

I’d love to see how your Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche turns out! Share your photos and experiences in the comments below or tag me on social media. Baking is all about creativity and sharing, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this recipe.

External Resources for Further Reading

If you’re interested in learning more about baking techniques or exploring other recipes, here are some great external resources:

• King Arthur Baking: Brioche Basics – A detailed guide to mastering brioche.
• Food Network: Chocolate Chip Recipes – Discover more chocolate chip-inspired treats.

Key Takeaway: This Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the soft, buttery dough to the melty chocolate chips and stunning braided design, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake something truly special!