Lemon Brioche Recipe

Name: Lemon Brioche Recipe
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: - 250 g all-purpose flour; - 50 g sugar; - 1/2 tsp salt; - 1 tsp dry yeast; - 100 ml warm milk; - 1 egg (room temperature); - 50 g soft butter; - Zest of 1 organic lemon; - 100 g powdered sugar; - 2-3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; - Optional: additional lemon zest

Lemon Brioche Recipe

Servings

12

Prep Time

2 hours

Cook Time

20 minutes

Savor the delicate sweetness of Lemon Brioche, where soft and airy dough meets a zesty lemon glaze. These brioches are crafted from a rich, buttery dough infused with fresh lemon zest, adding a subtle citrus flavor to each bite. The dough, once risen and baked to golden perfection, is finished with a simple yet vibrant glaze made from powdered sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This combination of light, fluffy brioche and tangy glaze makes for an irresistible treat, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon indulgence. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these lemon brioches offer a delightful burst of freshness with every bite.

Ingredients

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- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 50 g sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- 100 ml warm milk
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 50 g soft butter
- Zest of 1 organic lemon

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- 100 g powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Optional: additional lemon zest

Directions

In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the dry yeast to the well and sprinkle with a pinch of sugar. Pour about 2 tablespoons of warm milk over the yeast. Cover the bowl and let the yeast activate for about 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
Once the yeast is activated, add the remaining sugar, salt, egg, soft butter, and lemon zest. Add the rest of the milk and mix everything together until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, briefly knead it on a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Shape the pieces into balls and place them with some space between them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rest for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the dough balls with beaten egg yolk and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven, cover with a clean cloth, and let them cool completely.
For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with the freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth. Optionally, you can add additional lemon zest for a more intense lemon flavor.
Drizzle the glaze in thin lines over the cooled brioches.

Lemon Brioche Questions

What makes Lemon Brioche a perfect recipe for breakfast or afternoon treats?

Lemon Brioche stands out as a delightful choice for breakfast or an afternoon treat due to its light and fluffy texture, complemented by the zesty, refreshing flavor profile of lemon. The dough's richness from the butter and egg creates an indulgent base, while the citrus undertones enliven your palate, making it a refreshing alternative to heavier pastries.

How do I properly activate yeast for the Lemon Brioche dough, and why is it important?

Activating yeast is a crucial step in making Lemon Brioche, as it ensures that your dough rises beautifully, resulting in soft and fluffy brioches. To activate your dry yeast, you begin by creating a well in the flour and adding a small amount of warm milk along with a pinch of sugar over the yeast.

Can I adjust the ingredient ratios in this Lemon Brioche recipe, and how would it affect the outcome?

Yes, you can adjust the ingredient ratios in the Lemon Brioche recipe based on your personal taste preferences or dietary needs, but it's important to do so carefully to maintain the integrity of the final product.

What is the best way to store leftover Lemon Brioche, and how can I refresh them?

Storing leftover Lemon Brioche properly is essential to maintain its fluffy texture and vibrant flavor. Once completely cooled, keep the brioches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Can I experiment with different glazes for the Lemon Brioche, and what flavor combinations work well?

Absolutely! While the lemon glaze is a wonderful complement to the brioche, experimenting with different glazes can add an exciting twist to your baking experience.