Brioche buns bring a touch of luxury to any meal. With a golden crust, rich buttery flavor, and pillowy soft crumb, these buns are the perfect match for gourmet burgers, breakfast sandwiches, or even served simply with jam and butter. This is our best brioche bun recipe, developed to give you that bakery-style texture and flavor right from your home kitchen.
Made with eggs, butter, and milk, brioche is technically an enriched bread. What sets these buns apart is their slightly sweet flavor, glossy finish, and melt-in-your-mouth softness. Whether you’re prepping for a summer cookout or just want to upgrade your sandwich, these buns will take any bite to the next level.
What Makes Brioche Buns Special
Brioche is a French-style bread known for its soft, tender crumb and rich, slightly sweet flavor. The high fat content from butter and eggs makes the dough behave differently from leaner bread doughs. Brioche buns are lighter than they appear, but still sturdy enough to hold a juicy burger or a loaded breakfast sandwich without falling apart.
These buns rise beautifully, have a rich color, and stay soft for days, making them perfect for both fresh and make-ahead meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm milk (around 100°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, cut into pieces)
- 1/4 cup warm water
For the egg wash:
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, stir together the warm water, milk, a pinch of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Combine the Dough
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until a sticky dough begins to form.
With the mixer on low or while kneading by hand, gradually add the softened butter, one piece at a time, until fully incorporated. This can take several minutes. The dough will be soft and slightly tacky but should come together into a smooth ball.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover it again, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling the dough makes it easier to shape and enhances the flavor.
Step 5: Shape the Buns
Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into 8 to 10 equal portions. Shape each into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with your palm.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped buns loosely and let them rise at room temperature for 60 to 90 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled.
Step 7: Add Egg Wash and Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each bun with the egg yolk and milk mixture for a shiny, golden finish.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the tops are deeply golden and the buns sound hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the brioche buns cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps maintain their soft structure and avoids squishing the inside.
Tips for Perfect Brioche Buns
- Don’t rush the chill time. Chilling the dough improves texture and makes shaping easier.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter. This helps the ingredients incorporate smoothly.
- Weigh the dough pieces. For even-sized buns, weigh each piece for uniformity.
- Bake on the middle rack. This ensures even browning and prevents the bottoms from overbaking.
How to Store and Freeze
These brioche buns stay soft for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
To freeze, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
Serving Ideas
Brioche buns are incredibly versatile and elevate any sandwich or meal. Try them with:
- Classic cheeseburgers or veggie burgers
- Pulled pork or brisket sandwiches
- Egg and bacon breakfast sandwiches
- Grilled chicken or fried fish sandwiches
- Nutella, peanut butter, or jam for a sweet option
They also work well as dinner rolls or served with soups and salads.
Flavor Variations
You can tweak the base recipe to create different styles of brioche buns:
- Garlic and herb: Add dried herbs or roasted garlic to the dough.
- Sweet buns: Increase sugar slightly and top with pearl sugar or cinnamon sugar.
- Cheesy brioche: Fold in shredded cheddar or parmesan before shaping.
- Mini slider buns: Divide into 12 to 16 smaller portions for sliders or party trays.
Final Thoughts
These brioche buns are everything a homemade bun should be—soft, rich, and beautifully golden. They look impressive, taste incredible, and hold up to any filling you choose. Whether you’re planning a gourmet burger night or want to try your hand at enriched bread, this recipe delivers bakery-level results with simple ingredients and a little patience.
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