Chinois brioche – recipesshubb

Chinois Brioche (Soft, Fluffy, and Sweet Swirl)

A Chinois brioche is a classic French pastry: a soft, buttery brioche dough filled with chocolate or pastry cream, rolled into a beautiful swirl, and baked to a golden perfection. Its delicate texture and rich flavor make it perfect for special breakfasts, brunches, or afternoon tea.

This recipe guides you to create a light, airy brioche with a decadent filling and impressive presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, fluffy, and buttery texture
Sweet, chocolatey, or creamy filling
Beautiful swirl pattern
Perfect for sharing or gifting
Can be customized with nuts, raisins, or fruit

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus dough resting)
Rise Time: 2–3 hours
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Yield: 1 large Chinois (8–9 inches)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Brioche Dough

3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk, 95–100°F (35–38°C)
2 large eggs
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling

½ cup (120 ml) pastry cream or custard
½ cup (100 g) chocolate chips or chocolate spread
Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts or raisins

For the Egg Wash

1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
Add eggs and yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Gradually knead in softened butter until dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky (about 10 minutes by hand or 6–7 minutes in a stand mixer).

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, prepare your pastry cream or custard if using homemade. Mix chocolate chips or chocolate spread in a small bowl for easy spreading.

Step 4: Roll and Shape

Once risen, gently punch down the dough.
Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
Spread the pastry cream and chocolate filling evenly, leaving a small border along the edges. Add nuts or raisins if desired.
Roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log.
Slice the log in half lengthwise to expose the filling layers.
Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up to show the swirl.
Shape into a circle or braid and place in a greased 8–9 inch round pan.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the shaped brioche and let it rise at room temperature for 45–60 minutes, until puffy.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush the brioche with egg wash (egg + milk) for a golden, glossy finish.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the Chinois brioche to cool slightly in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for extra elegance.

Tips for Perfect Chinois Brioche

Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overwork the dough once filled; gentle handling preserves the swirl pattern.
Room temperature ingredients help the dough rise evenly.
Customize fillings: chocolate and pastry cream are classic, but almond paste, fruit preserves, or Nutella work well.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Serving Ideas

Slice and serve with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
Top with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate for brunch
Perfect as a dessert for special occasions or gatherings

Final Thoughts

A Chinois brioche is a stunning, delicious treat that combines soft, airy dough with a rich, indulgent filling. With careful kneading, proper rising, and gentle shaping, you can create a bakery-quality pastry at home that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or sharing with friends and family.