The Perfect Brioche Bun

See, I told you I'd keep experimenting with buns.  I didn't really expect it to do it again so soon. But when I came across this one from a bag of my mom's recipes (I really need to finish typing them out for her). I couldn't wait to give it a try. It didn't disappoint - the crust is chewy and the inside is so soft & moist.  You couldn't ask for better.  While my first bun recipe is great in a pinch since there isn't crazy rise times - if you have the time, you really need to do this version.

Brioche Burger Buns

Ingredients:

1 cup Warm Water
3 tbsp Warm Milk
2 1/2 tsp Active Dry Yeast
2½ tbsp Sugar
2 large Eggs
3 1/3 cups All-purpose Flour
1½ tsp Salt
2½ tbsp Unsalted Butter, softened.
Sesame Seeds, optional

Instructions:

1. In a two-cup glass measure; combine the water, milk, yeast and sugar. Let stand until frothy, about 5 - 10 minutes.

2. In  a large bowl, add the flour, salt and butter and with an electric mixer, mix together until the butter is combined - it'll look like crumbs.

3. In a small bowl beat one of the eggs and set aside.

4. Stir in yeast and beaten egg. The attach the dough hooks to your mixer and mix for about 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and well combined.  This could take as little as little as 7 or 8 minutes.  Just keep an eye on it and go by look - if it's nice & smooth it's ready.

5. Shape the dough into a ball, return  it to the bowl, and cover with a clean, damp dish towel and let it rise in a warm place until it's doubled is size.  This can take 1 - 2  hours or more depending on conditions and no two times will be exactly the same.  Just keep watch on the size of the dough.

6. Lightly grease your baking sheet.  Then divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into balls and place 3 inches apart on the prepared sheet - seam side down. Cover again with the dish towel, re-dampened.  Let rise for a second time in a warm place for another 1 - 2 hours or until the balls almost double in size again.

7. Mix a small bit of water with the second egg to make the egg wash.  Once the second rise is finished, VERY lightly brush on the wash.  At this point you can sprinkle on the sesame seeds.

8. Preheat the oven to 400*F and put a small baking pan with water in it on the bottom rack prior to adding the buns. This creates steam & helps to keep the bread moist.

9. Bake on the middle rack for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown. Place on a wire rack to cool
completely.

Stay Sweet!

Tammy