Chocolate Brioche Buns

These Chocolate Brioche Buns are soft, fluffy, and enriched with buttery dough, packed with melty chocolate chips in every bite. With their golden exterior and tender interior, they deliver a premium bakery-style experience that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.

The slow fermentation develops deep flavor and an airy texture, while the addition of orange flower water adds a subtle aromatic note that elevates these buns beyond standard brioche. Finished with a glossy egg wash and baked until golden, they are both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious.

Why These Chocolate Brioche Buns Are a High-Value Bake

• Ultra Soft and Fluffy Texture: Enriched dough creates a light, pillowy crumb.
• Bakery-Quality Flavor: Long proofing enhances depth and aroma.
• Chocolate in Every Bite: Generous chocolate chips melt into the dough.
• Aromatic Upgrade: Orange flower water adds a subtle gourmet touch.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead Baking: Dough can be prepared in advance.
• High Appeal for All Ages: A universal favorite for breakfast or dessert.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Chocolate Brioche Buns are ideal for breakfast spreads, brunch tables, holiday mornings, or afternoon treats. They pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and are excellent for sharing. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Ingredient Notes

Brioche Dough

• Fresh yeast or active dry yeast: Provides the rise and soft structure.
• All-purpose flour: Creates a balanced dough that is soft yet structured.
• Sugar: Sweetens and enhances the dough flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens the dough.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Orange flower water: Adds a delicate floral aroma for a premium touch.
• Milk: Lukewarm milk activates the yeast and adds moisture.
• Butter: Softened butter enriches the dough and creates softness.
• Chocolate chips: Provide pockets of melted chocolate throughout.

Egg Wash

Egg yolk and milk: Create a glossy, golden finish on the buns.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Brioche Buns

• Activate Yeast Properly: Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Knead Until Smooth: A well-developed dough creates the best texture.
• Allow Slow Proofing: Longer fermentation improves flavor and softness.
• Do Not Overload with Flour: Keep the dough slightly soft for a tender result.
• Distribute Chocolate Evenly: Fold chips in gently for consistent bites.
• Brush Before Baking: Egg wash ensures a golden, professional finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm Breakfast Buns: Serve slightly warm with coffee or tea.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust for a simple finish.
• Dessert Upgrade: Serve with whipped cream or fruit.
• Brunch Spread: Pair with fresh fruit and yogurt.

A Must Try

These Chocolate Brioche Buns are rich, soft, and filled with chocolatey goodness, delivering a bakery-level result that feels both comforting and elevated. With their fluffy texture and subtle aroma, they are a high-performing recipe that brings warmth and indulgence to any table.

Tips to keep them fresh

• To keep your brioche buns fresh, they’re best enjoyed freshly baked or on the same day. To extend their freshness, wrap them in a sealed ziplock bag until the next day.

Frozing

• If you have extra buns, you can freeze them for later. Place them in a ziplock bag while they’re still fresh and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, remove them from the freezer the night before and let them sit on the countertop. Once thawed, warm them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispy crust.

Be sure to check out these other delicious recipes!

• Brioche Donuts

• Homemade Donuts

• Chocolate Donuts

Chocolate Brioche Buns

Chocolate brioche buns make a great addition to your breakfast. They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with chocolate chips.

Prep Time: 12 hours
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 12 hours 15 mins
Yield: 16 brioches

Ingredients

• 20 grams fresh yeast (or 10 grams active dry yeast)
• 4 1/4 cups (500grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100grams) sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp orange flower water
• 1 cup + 1 tbsp (25 cl) milk, lukewarm
• 1/4 cup (60grams) butter, softened at room temperature
• 1 cup (approx. 200grams) chocolate chips
• 1 yolk + 1 tbsp milk, for brushing

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle fresh yeast and stir with 1-2 tablespoons of lukewarm milk and a bit of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl or food processor, combine flour with sugar and salt.
3. Create a well in the center and add the egg, orange flower water, yeast mixture, and milk.
4. Stir well, then knead the dough for about 20 minutes by hand, or 10-15 minutes in a food processor until smooth.
   Add softened butter (diced) and continue kneading until well incorporated. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
5. If the dough feels warm, let it cool at room temperature for a few minutes. Then, mix in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
6. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
7. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to remove any air bubbles.
8. Place it back in the bowl, cover with cling film, and refrigerate for about 3 hours, or ideally overnight.
9. Divide the dough into portions of 2.3 oz (65g) each and shape them into small balls by rolling them smoothly on a lightly floured surface.
10. Avoid overworking the dough to prevent the chocolate from melting.
11. Brush the buns with the yolk-milk mixture, cover, and let them rise for 1 hour.
12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and brush the buns once more with the yolk-milk mixture.
13. Bake for around 20 minutes, or until the brioche are golden-brown.
14. Transfer the buns to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before serving.