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Home / Recipes
2 hours 10 minutes
4.78 from 27 votes
12 Comments

Brioche Buns

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by: Joanna Cismaru
02.16.21
Updated: 02.16.21

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pin for brioche buns.

These Brioche Buns are incredibly flaky, buttery, fragrant and melt in your mouth delicious! With this simple recipe, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make these right at home!

overhead shot of brioche buns cooling on a cooling rack.

In all my years of blogging, I can’t say that I’ve ever been more excited to share a recipe with you than I am with this brioche bun recipe. I’m talking big, fluffy, super flaky, not to mention gorgeous brioche buns.

When these came out of the oven, we just couldn’t get over how gorgeous they are, and we couldn’t wait to sink our teeth into them. I’ve given you a recipe to make croissants right at home, but now I want to share this recipe with you because these buns are similar to croissants but so much easier to make, not to mention quicker.

a stack of brioche buns with the top on broken in half.

Easy Brioche Buns

  • Fool-Proof Recipe
  • Easy To Make For Beginners
  • Requires only Staple Ingredients
  • Flaky and Delicious

Trust me when I say, you will be so proud of these brioche buns when they come out of the oven. You’ll be snapping pictures left and right, that’s what I did. So trust me, trust the recipe, trust process and let’s make these!

Ingredient Notes

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make brioche buns.
  • Flour – We only need good old fashioned all purpose flour! No need for the fancy stuff.
  • Salt – Believe me, salt makes all the difference, so don’t skip this! Salt is going to give our brioche buns flavor.
  • Yeast – I used active dry yeast today. You can use instant yeast as well, the difference really is that active dry yeast needs to be activated first, whereas with instant yeast it’s not necessary.
  • Water – It’s super important to make sure your water is lukewarm. The best temperature of the water should be anywhere from 95 degrees to 105 degrees for this. You don’t really want anything warmer, as it will kill the yeast.
  • Milk – Same as with water, we want to make sure the milk is lukewarm. The best temperature should be anywhere from 95 degrees to 105 degrees.
  • Sugar – Sugar is important when making bread, it’s what makes it soft and tender by absorbing some of the water and slowing down the formation of gluten strands. Sugar is also what feeds the yeast.
  • Butter – I always use unsalted butter, especially when baking, because we already add salt, so this way I can control how much salt is added to my bread. The butter in this recipe is added in after the dough has risen, and it’s used to spread over the dough. It’s what will make our brioche buns super flaky.
  • Eggs – We will only be using the egg whites in the dough and egg yolks are used to brush over the buns before baking.

How To Make Brioche Buns

Dough

process shots showing how to make the dough for brioche buns.
  1. Activate yeast: In the bowl of your mixer add the warm water, a tbsp of the sugar and the active dry yeast. Stir and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add the rest of the wet ingredients: Add the rest of the sugar, milk, oil, salt, egg whites and roughly whisk everything together.
  3. Make the dough: Add 2 cups of the flour to the bowl and start mixing on low for a couple minutes. Add more flour, a cup at a time, until the dough comes together but is still a bit sticky and soft. I used 4 cups of flour, but you might need a bit more flour than I did. The dough should be a bit sticky, elastic and should spring back when poked with your finger. Using an oiled plastic bench scraper scrape the dough from the bowl and place it in a well oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft free environment until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.

Form the buns

process shots showing how to shape the dough to make brioche buns.
  1. Prep the oven and baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out the dough: Punch down dough to release the air. Oil your work surface well, with a couple tablespoons of oil. Transfer the dough to the work surface and using your fingers spread the dough into a big rectangle, that’s about 20 x 16 inches. The dough should be soft enough that you can easily spread it. Alternatively you can use a rolling pin.
  3. Create flaky layers: Spread about 3 tbsp of the butter over the surface of the dough. Fold in thirds, then use your fingers again to spread the dough a bit more. Spread another 2 tbsp of the butter over the new surface of the dough and fold it in thirds again, just like folding a letter. Spread the dough again a bit then spread the remaining butter over the top. Fold it in thirds one last time. Spread the dough so that it’s about 12 inches by 8 inches. Basically we just created layers of dough with butter in between, similar to making croissants.
  4. Form buns: Using a pizza cutter cut the dough into 8 long strips, each strip about 1 1/2 inches wide. Fold each rope in two and twist it, then bring the ends together and pinch them to connect the rope. If your hands stick to the dough, just make sure to oil a bit. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet, only 6 will fit on a baking sheet, so you’ll have to bake the other 2 separately.

Finish and bake

process shots showing how to prepare brioche buns for baking.
  1. Brush with yolks: Whisk the egg yolks wth the vanilla paste (optional), then generously brush the buns with this yolk mixture. If you wish, you can sprinkle the buns with some poppy seeds or sesame seeds.
  2. Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

FAQs & Expert Tips

FAQs

What Is A Brioche Bun

Brioche buns are a French rich, fancy buns and can actually take many different shapes. They’re sweeter than a regular bun, flakier, almost croissant like but softer.

How Do You Serve Brioche Buns

These buns can be enjoyed on their own, they can be used as sandwich buns, they’re perfect for a grilled cheese sandwich, or slather them with jam, Nutella, or everyone’s favorite PB&J.

Can I Use Instant Yeast?

Absolutely. Active yeast and instant yeast are interchangeable, the only difference is that active yeast needs to be activated first with a bit of warm water and sugar.

I Don’t Have A Mixer, Can I Still Make These Brioche Buns?

Of course! Although it will take you longer, you can still knead the dough by hand. The dough needs to be soft and sticky, smooth and elastic, so you’ll have to knead it for about 15 minutes.

a stack of freshly baked brioche buns.

Tips

  1. Once your yeast package or jar has been opened, you must refrigerate the yeast or freeze it in an airtight container.
  2. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and make sure it hasn’t expired. All your yeast products whether it’s in a jar or a package should be stamped with a “Best if Used by” date.
  3. Dough thrives in a warm, draft-free environment. If your oven has a “proof” function, then use it. The “proof” function preheats the oven to 100 F degrees, causing a warm, but not hot environment for your dough to rise nicely. If your oven doesn’t have this “proof” function, I would still use the oven. What I usually do is preheat the oven to 200F degrees, or whatever the lowest setting is for it. Once it reaches that temperature, turn off the oven, then place the dough in there to rise. This will speed up the proofing process tremendously.
  4. The amount of flour you use in these buns totally depends on your environment. It could vary greatly, 4 to 6 cups. I live in a very dry environment, so for me I always have to use less flour than a recipe specifies. If you live in a humid environment, more flour is required.
  5. Note that the dough is so soft, you don’t even have to roll it with a rolling pin, you can just use your fingers to spread out the dough.
closeup of brioche buns cooling on a cooling rack.

Storing Brioche Buns

Brioche buns truly are best enjoyed the day you make them, but if you do have some leftover buns, they will last up to 3 days at room temperature. I usually just place them in a ziploc bag.

Freezing

These brioche buns can actually be frozen and will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled to room temperature. Once cooled wrap them in plastic wrap individually then place them in a ziploc bag and freeze.

a closeup shot of a brioche bun on parchment paper.

More Great Recipes To Try

  • Berry Brioche Bread Pudding
  • Popovers
  • Brioche Bread
  • Chinese Style Meat Buns
  • Fluffy Dinner Rolls

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overhead shot of brioche buns cooling on a cooling rack.

Brioche Buns

4.78 from 27 votes
Prep: 45 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Rising time: 1 hr
Total: 2 hrs 10 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 8
Print Pin Rate
These Brioche Buns are incredibly flaky, buttery, fragrant and melt in your mouth delicious! With this simple recipe, you'll be surprised how easy it is to make these right at home!

Equipment

  • KitchenAid Classic 4.5 Quart Stand Mixer
  • Aluminum Baking Sheet (2 pack)
  • Basting and Pastry Brush

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water lukewarm
  • 2 tbsp sugar granulated
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup milk lukewarm
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs separated, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4-6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 6 tbsp butter unsalted, softened

Optional

  • 1 tsp vanilla paste
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Make Dough

  • Activate yeast: In the bowl of your mixer add the warm water, a tbsp of the sugar and the active dry yeast. Stir and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
  • Add the rest of the wet ingredients: Add the rest of the sugar, milk, oil, salt, egg whites and roughly whisk everything together.
  • Make the dough: Add 2 cups of the flour to the bowl and start mixing on low for a couple minutes. Add more flour, a cup at a time, until the dough comes together but is still a bit sticky and soft. I used 4 cups of flour, but you might need a bit more flour than I did. The dough should be a bit sticky, elastic and should spring back when poked with your finger. Using an oiled plastic bench scraper scrape the dough from the bowl and place it in a well oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft free environment until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.

Form The Buns

  • Prep the oven and baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Roll out the dough: Punch down dough to release the air. Oil your work surface well, with a couple tablespoons of oil. Transfer the dough to the work surface and using your fingers spread the dough into a big rectangle, that's about 20 x 16 inches. The dough should be soft enough that you can easily spread it. Alternatively you can use a rolling pin.
  • Create flaky layers: Spread about 3 tbsp of the butter over the surface of the dough. Fold in thirds, then use your fingers again to spread the dough a bit more. Spread another 2 tbsp of the butter over the new surface of the dough and fold it in thirds again, just like folding a letter. Spread the dough again a bit then spread the remaining butter over the top. Fold it in thirds one last time. Spread the dough so that it's about 12 inches by 8 inches. Basically we just created layers of dough with butter in between, similar to making croissants.
  • Form buns: Using a pizza cutter cut the dough into 8 long strips, each strip about 1 1/2 inches wide. Fold each rope in two and twist it, then bring the ends together and pinch them to connect the rope. If your hands stick to the dough, just make sure to oil a bit. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet, only 6 will fit on a baking sheet, so you'll have to bake the other 2 separately.

Finish And Bake

  • Brush with yolks: Whisk the egg yolks wth the vanilla paste (optional), then generously brush the buns with this yolk mixture. If you wish, you can sprinkle the buns with some poppy seeds or sesame seeds.
  • Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes

  1. Once your yeast package or jar has been opened, you must refrigerate the yeast or freeze it in an airtight container.
  2. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and make sure it hasn’t expired. All your yeast products whether it’s in a jar or a package should be stamped with a “Best if Used by” date.
  3. Dough thrives in a warm, draft-free environment. If your oven has a “proof” function, then use it. The “proof” function preheats the oven to 100 F degrees, causing a warm, but not hot environment for your dough to rise nicely. If your oven doesn’t have this “proof” function, I would still use the oven. What I usually do is preheat the oven to 200F degrees, or whatever the lowest setting is for it. Once it reaches that temperature, turn off the oven, then place the dough in there to rise. This will speed up the proofing process tremendously.
  4. The amount of flour you use in these buns totally depends on your environment. It could vary greatly, 4 to 6 cups. I live in a very dry environment, so for me I always have to use less flour than a recipe specifies. If you live in a humid environment, more flour is required.
  5. Note that the dough is so soft, you don’t even have to roll it with a rolling pin, you can just use your fingers to spread out the dough.
  6. Brioche buns truly are best enjoyed the day you make them, but if you do have some leftover buns, they will last up to 3 days at room temperature. I usually just place them in a ziploc bag.
  7. These brioche buns can actually be frozen and will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled to room temperature. Once cooled wrap them in plastic wrap individually then place them in a ziploc bag and freeze.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1bunCalories: 485kcal (24%)Carbohydrates: 53g (18%)Protein: 10g (20%)Fat: 26g (40%)Saturated Fat: 18g (113%)Trans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 72mg (24%)Sodium: 326mg (14%)Potassium: 145mg (4%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 5g (6%)Vitamin A: 379IU (8%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 82mg (8%)Iron: 3mg (17%)
Course:Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine:French
Keyword:brioche bun recipe, brioche buns
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Sandra says

    February 17, 2021 at 10:59 am

    I am not an experienced baker with yeast. I do think it’s something you eventually get a “feel” for. So I’m asking for advice here not a comment. Can you make half a yeast recipe as you can with cookies for example, Is the volume of a full recipe necessary for a good rise. This recipe looks excellent btw. I enjoy your blog. Maybe other readers have some advice for me too. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      February 17, 2021 at 11:10 am

      Yes, you’ll need to use all the yeast required for it to rise properly!

      Reply
    • Sandra D says

      February 17, 2021 at 5:02 pm

      Are you asking if you can half the recipe (so then you’d have to half the yeast)? Or, are you asking if you can just half the yeast? If that’s your question, then the answer you received was right. I thought you were asking if you can half the recipe. I’d also be interested in that answer, although having these in the freezer wouldn’t be bad 🙂

      Reply
      • Jo Cooks Team says

        February 17, 2021 at 5:03 pm

        You can definitely try and half this recipe! I was referring to halving the yeast, which is how I read the question! (could have read it wrong) So yes to halving the recipe, no to halving the yeast! 🙂

  2. Nancy says

    February 17, 2021 at 10:25 am

    5 stars
    These buns are so good!!! Thanks for the amazing recipe

    Reply
  3. Lesley says

    February 17, 2021 at 7:58 am

    There is no second rise for the dough once they have been shaped into rounds? Brush with yokes and bake?

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      February 17, 2021 at 8:07 am

      That’s right, no second rise.

      Reply
      • Barb says

        February 18, 2021 at 1:05 pm

        4 stars
        I enjoyed making these bread rolls today. Next time I will add salt or everything bagel sprinkles on top to give my rolls more flavor. My rolls look awesome but they are extremely heavy in weight. They didn’t turn out light and fluffy. I thought they would be like a croissant in texture and taste. Is it possible I put too much butter in my dough?

      • Joanna Cismaru says

        February 18, 2021 at 1:49 pm

        They are very buttery, but they will be heavy in weight but should be flaky but softer flakes. Croissants are crispier whereas these are not, they’re tender and softer.

  4. David Campbell says

    February 17, 2021 at 7:29 am

    There’s no second rise after shaping the buns?

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      February 17, 2021 at 8:29 am

      No second rise required.

      Reply
      • David Campbell says

        February 17, 2021 at 9:52 am

        Thank you. I’ll try this today.

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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