Name: Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups + 1 tablespoon (250g) all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons (30g) sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 10g fresh yeast, crumbled; 3 large eggs (150g), beaten; 2/3 cup (165g) unsalted butter, softened and diced; 1 cup + 2 teaspoons (25 cl) whole milk; 1 teaspoon butter; 1 vanilla pod; 2 egg yolks; 1/4 cup (50g) sugar; 3 tablespoons (20g) cornstarch; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup (120g) mini chocolate chips; 1/4 cup (50g) sugar; 1/4 cup (50 ml) water; 1 large egg + 1 yolk, beaten

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to transform your morning into an absolute celebration, Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are the perfect treat to make. Imagine soft, fluffy brioche dough wrapped around silky vanilla custard, all dotted with rich mini chocolate chips. These beauties are both indulgent and elegant—a true patisserie-style delight you can make at home! Each bite layers sweet, pillowy bread with creamy custard and pops of chocolate, making them irresistible for breakfast, brunch, or, honestly, any sweet craving.

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches is that the ingredients are everyday staples, but the results are extraordinary. Each component plays a vital role, giving our brioches delicate texture, buttery flavor, and that unmistakable golden sparkle.

All-purpose flour (2 cups + 1 tbsp): The backbone of the dough, giving our brioches their soft but structured crumb.
Sugar (2 tbsp for dough, 1/4 cup for syrup): Brings sweetness to both the dough and the finishing shine, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for highlighting sweetness and deepening the buttery brioche flavor.
Fresh yeast (10g, crumbled): Makes the dough rise to lovely cloud-like heights.
Large eggs (3 for dough, 1 + 1 yolk for brushing): Give rich color and help create a custardy, soft-crumbed bread.
Unsalted butter (2/3 cup, softened): Adds irresistible richness and a tender crumb.
Whole milk (1 cup + 2 tsp): Keeps the custard lush and smooth.
Vanilla pod (1): Scraped seeds infuse the custard with deep, aromatic flavor that can’t be beat.
Egg yolks (2): Create a decadent, velvety custard.
Cornstarch (3 tbsp): Thickens the pastry cream to the perfect consistency.
Mini chocolate chips (3/4 cup): Folded into each roll, they melt into pockets of chocolate joy.
Water (1/4 cup for syrup): Combines with sugar for that glossy, bakery-style finish.
All-purpose flour (1 tbsp for custard): Helps further thicken and stabilize the vanilla pastry cream.
Butter (1 tsp for custard): Adds sheen and flavor to the custard.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Step 1: Mix and Knead the Brioche Dough

This is where the magic begins! In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and crumbled fresh yeast. Give it a quick mix to distribute everything evenly. Next, pour in the beaten eggs and start kneading on medium speed. After 2–3 minutes, the dough will start looking thick, smooth, and elastic. Gradually add pieces of the softened butter, letting each bit incorporate before adding the next. Keep kneading until the dough is dense and just a little bit sticky—this can take up to 20 minutes. Patience here pays off in the form of beautifully soft, luxurious brioche!

Step 2: Let the Brioche Rise

Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and set it somewhere warm for about 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. It’s so fun to watch the transformation as the yeast works its wonders! During this time, the dough becomes fluffy and aerated—a perfect canvas for the filling to come.

Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Custard

While the dough rises, let’s make the dreamy pastry cream. Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan along with a slit vanilla pod and its scraped seeds. While that’s gently warming, whisk egg yolks with sugar, cornstarch, and a bit of flour in a separate bowl until smooth. Once the milk mixture is bubbling, pour it into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Return the whole mixture to the pan and cook, whisking all the time, until it thickens lusciously. Scrape it into a bowl, press plastic wrap directly on the surface, and pop it in the fridge to chill until ready to use.

Step 4: Fill and Shape the Brioches

Once your dough has risen, roll it into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cooled vanilla custard over half of the dough. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips all across the custard layer. Fold the undecorated half over the filling, pressing lightly to seal. Cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles and gently transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise again for about 2 hours, so they become puffy and pillowy.

Step 5: Brush, Bake, and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Beat together 1 egg and 1 yolk, then brush it generously over the tops of the brioches—this will help them bake to a glossy, golden brown. Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until gorgeously golden. While they bake, make a simple syrup by simmering water and sugar together until dissolved. As soon as the brioches come out, brush them with the warm syrup for that irresistible bakery shine!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

The hardest part: let your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches cool completely before serving. This gives the custard time to set and the flavors a chance to meld. Once cooled, you’re ready for a bakery-style treat at home!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes these brioches look extra-special and brings a hint of sweetness to every bite. For a fancier touch, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the tops, or sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips before serving. Even a dollop of whipped cream or a hint of orange zest can make these treats your own.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a strong espresso or a cup of milky coffee brings out all those buttery, vanilla flavors. For brunch, consider serving with a fresh fruit salad, some tart berries, or a scoop of plain Greek yogurt to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner bakery chef! Arrange the brioches in a basket lined with a pretty napkin for a cozy table centerpiece. Or slice each one in half and fill with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. For parties, cut the brioches into bite-sized pieces and skewer them with fruit for a fun, interactive platter. Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches can become the star of your breakfast board or afternoon tea platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, keep your brioches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The custard will keep the centers moist, while the chocolate chips maintain their soft, melty charm. If you want them to last a little longer, stash them in the fridge—but do bring them to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezing

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches freeze brilliantly! Just wrap each brioche individually in plastic wrap and then pop them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. To thaw, remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for a couple of hours, or gently warm in the microwave.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked magic, reheat brioches in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5–7 minutes. Alternatively, pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The custard will become luscious again, and the chocolate chips will melt ever so slightly. It’s just like bakery-fresh!

FAQs

Can I make the brioche dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling, filling, and shaping. This works beautifully for prepping in advance or for brunch plans.

What if I can’t find fresh yeast?

No worries! Substitute with 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in a tablespoon of warm water with a pinch of sugar, let it foam for a few minutes, and proceed as directed. The flavor will still be delicious and the rise just as beautiful.

Can I use chocolate chunks instead of mini chocolate chips?

Certainly! Roughly chopped high-quality chocolate works well and gives fantastic bursts of chocolate in the filling. Just try to keep pieces small so they don’t weigh down the dough too much.

What’s the secret to extra-soft brioches?

Kneading is key! Don’t rush the process—a full 15–20 minutes of kneading ensures your dough is super elastic and buttery-soft. Also, make sure not to add too much extra flour, which can make the dough dense.

Can I make mini Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches instead?

Yes! Simply cut the dough into more, smaller rectangles and reduce the baking time slightly. These bite-sized versions are adorable for parties or afternoon tea, and you’ll still get all the flavors in a compact package.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted freshly baked Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches, you’ll understand why they’re treasured in French bakeries and home kitchens alike. Whip up a batch and treat yourself (and your favorite people) to a cozy, chocolate-studded moment—you’ll be proud you brought a little bit of pastry magic into your own home!

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: 8 brioches 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent goodness of Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches. These brioche pastries are filled with a luscious vanilla custard and studded with mini chocolate chips, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch.

Instructions

Prepare the Brioche Dough: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add beaten eggs and knead. Gradually add softened butter and knead until smooth.
First Rise: Cover dough and let it rise until doubled in size.
Prepare the Custard: Heat milk with butter and vanilla. Whisk egg yolks with sugar, cornstarch, and flour. Combine with milk, then thicken over heat. Refrigerate.
Shape the Brioches: Roll out dough, spread custard, add chocolate chips, fold, and cut into rectangles. Let rise.
Brush and Bake: Preheat oven, brush brioches with egg mixture, bake until golden. Make sugar syrup, brush over baked brioches.
Serve: Let cool before serving.

Notes

You can customize these brioches by adding different fillings like fruit compote or almond paste.
Ensure the custard is completely cooled before spreading it on the dough to prevent it from melting.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French