Want a decadent breakfast treat? Soft Chocolate Chip Brioche Rolls with Vanilla Custard Filling are an easy homemade favorite, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or family gathering, made with rich chocolate and creamy vanilla custard, Save for later

Soft Chocolate Chip Brioche Rolls with Vanilla Custard Filling

Introduction

Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked brioche rolls, soft and fluffy on the inside, with a golden crust on the outside, and filled with a rich vanilla custard. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a masterpiece of texture and flavor combination. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make using everyday ingredients, requiring minimal effort for such an impressive result. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, these Soft Chocolate Chip Brioche Rolls with Vanilla Custard Filling are sure to become a favorite, perfect for special occasions or a cozy Sunday morning.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of soft brioche, rich vanilla custard, and the sweetness of chocolate chips creates a perfect harmony of flavors. Moreover, the ingredients are easily accessible in most supermarkets, making this recipe highly approachable.
• Ease of preparation: Despite the luxurious feel of these brioche rolls, the preparation is straightforward. The dough is simple to mix, and the custard filling requires just a few ingredients and some gentle cooking.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, yet it requires surprisingly little effort. This makes it an ideal recipe for those looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for these Soft Chocolate Chip Brioche Rolls with Vanilla Custard Filling include high-quality all-purpose flour, yeast for the brioche dough, unsalted butter for richness, large eggs for moisture and structure, granulated sugar for sweetness, semi-sweet chocolate chips for the chocolate flavor, whole milk for the custard, vanilla extract for the distinctive vanilla flavor, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. For practical substitutions, you can use salted butter and omit additional salt, or use different types of milk for the custard, such as almond or soy milk for a non-dairy version.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the brioche dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is activated. Then, add flour, eggs, butter, salt, and the remaining sugar. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Step 2: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and add the chocolate chips. Fold the dough gently to distribute the chocolate chips evenly. Then, divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your rolls to be. Shape each piece into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disk shape. Place the disks onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about an inch of space between each roll. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the rolls are rising, prepare the vanilla custard. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, vanilla extract, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks. Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. Step 4: Bake the brioche rolls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack. Once the rolls are cool enough to handle, use a serrated knife to cut a horizontal slit in each roll, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fill each roll with the cooled vanilla custard.

Handy Tips

• Make sure your ingredients, especially the eggs and butter, are at room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough or the custard, as this can lead to a tough brioche or a scrambled custard.
• For an extra golden crust, brush the tops of the brioche rolls with a little bit of egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) before baking.

Heat Control

When baking the brioche rolls, it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature. An oven that’s too hot can burn the rolls before they’re fully cooked, while an oven that’s too cool can result in rolls that are pale and undercooked. The ideal temperature is 375°F (190°C), and the rolls should be baked for about 18-20 minutes. They’re done when they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For the custard, heat control is also important. The mixture should be heated over medium heat and then reduced to low heat when cooking the custard to prevent it from boiling or scrambling the eggs.

Crunch Factor

The texture of these Soft Chocolate Chip Brioche Rolls with Vanilla Custard Filling is a highlight of the dessert. The brioche should be soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden, slightly crunchy crust on the outside. The vanilla custard filling adds a creamy texture. To achieve the right crunch on the brioche, make sure not to overbake them. They should be golden brown but still yield to pressure. Letting the rolls cool on a wire rack after baking also helps maintain their texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. You can also use chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor variation.
• For an easier custard preparation, use a thermometer to ensure the custard reaches the correct temperature (170°F to 180°F or 77°C to 82°C) for proper thickening.
• Let the brioche dough rest overnight in the fridge to develop a deeper flavor and easier handling in the morning.

Storage Tips

• These rolls are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• For reheating, wrap the roll in a damp paper towel and heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through.
• It’s best to fill the rolls with custard just before serving to prevent the brioche from becoming soggy. However, if you need to prepare ahead, you can fill the rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These Soft Chocolate Chip Brioche Rolls with Vanilla Custard Filling make a wonderful gift, especially for special occasions like birthdays or holidays. Consider packaging them in a decorative tin or a paper bag tied with a ribbon. You can also include a jar of homemade vanilla custard on the side for an extra-special touch. For a more rustic look, wrap each roll individually in parchment paper and place them in a wicker basket. Don’t forget to include a personalized note or card to make the gift even more thoughtful.

Flavor Variations

• 🌟 Different spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the brioche dough for a unique twist.
• 🌟 Creative toppings: Top the brioche rolls with powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate glaze for added flavor and texture.
• 🌟 Ingredient swaps: Use dark or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different chocolate profile, or substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your brioche turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough. If the custard is too thin, it hasn’t been cooked long enough.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of an ingredient, consider what can be substituted without altering the flavor or texture significantly. For example, you can use almond milk instead of whole milk for the custard.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your brioche while it’s baking. If it’s getting too brown, cover the tops with foil. If the custard starts to boil or scramble, remove it from the heat immediately.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the brioche rolls before filling them with custard. Simply thaw and fill as needed.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to adapt the recipe.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the baking time slightly for larger batches.

Conclusion

These Soft Chocolate Chip Brioche Rolls with Vanilla Custard Filling are a true delight, offering a combination of textures and flavors that are sure to please even the most discerning palate. With their soft, fluffy interior, golden crust, and rich, creamy filling, they’re perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat any day of the week. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making brioche from scratch or preparing a custard filling; with these straightforward steps and handy tips, you’ll be enjoying these delicious rolls in no time. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own.