Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the smoothness of custard, then these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are just what you need! This recipe is close to my heart because it brings back memories of cozy weekends spent baking in the kitchen with family. Whether it’s for a special breakfast, a sweet brunch gathering, or just a weekday pick-me-up, these brioches will surely bring smiles all around.
What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up these fluffy brioches filled with luscious vanilla custard and chocolate chips. They’re versatile enough to impress guests at a family gathering or simply to enjoy on a lazy Sunday morning. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a favorite in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, anyone can bake these delicious brioches!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of creamy custard and sweet chocolate.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the custard in advance and save time on busy mornings.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are made from simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Brioche Dough:
- 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
For the Vanilla Custard (Pastry Cream):
- 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
For the Filling and Brushing:
- 3/4 cup (120g) mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 ml) water
- 1 large egg + 1 yolk, beaten
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:
- Swap the chocolate: Use white chocolate chips or even dried fruits like cranberries for a different flavor twist.
- Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the brioche dough can elevate the taste beautifully.
- Try different fillings: Experiment with other custard flavors like almond or hazelnut for a unique take.
- Make mini brioches: Shape smaller portions for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches
Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough
In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and crumbled yeast. Mixing briefly helps to evenly distribute those dry ingredients. Next, add in your beaten eggs. Knead at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until everything comes together into a thick dough. The magic happens when you gradually incorporate softened butter; knead until your dough is dense and slightly sticky—this can take up to 20 minutes but don’t rush it!
Step 2: First Rise
Once your dough is ready, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial as it allows air to develop within the dough, giving those brioches their signature fluffiness.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard
While waiting for the dough to rise, let’s make that dreamy vanilla custard! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and butter while adding the vanilla pod and its seeds. Once bubbling, remove from heat. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour until well blended. Slowly pour that hot milk mixture over your egg concoction while whisking continuously—this prevents scrambling! Return it all to heat until it thickens into custard. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap touching its surface; refrigerate until cooled.
Step 4: Shape the Brioches
After your dough has risen beautifully, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread that luscious cooled custard over half of your dough—don’t skimp here! Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before folding over the uncovered half to seal in all that goodness. Cut into 8 equal rectangles and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rise again for about 2 hours.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). As soon as those brioches have risen nicely again, brush them gently with the beaten egg mixture for that gorgeous golden finish while baking. Pop them into your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Step 6: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a gentle boil until dissolved—this syrup will give your brioches that beautiful glossy finish!
Step 7: Serve
Once baked to perfection, brush each brioche generously with warm sugar syrup right out of the oven. Allow them to cool completely before serving. These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are perfect as part of breakfast or brunch—enjoy every soft bite!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches
Making these delightful brioches can be a rewarding experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfect every time!
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Use fresh yeast: Fresh yeast gives your brioche a light and airy texture. If you can find it, opt for fresh over dry yeast for the best rise.
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Knead thoroughly: Proper kneading is key to developing gluten, which gives your brioches that desirable chewy texture. Don’t rush this step – aim for a dense and smooth dough.
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Cool custard completely: Allowing your vanilla custard to cool properly ensures it sets up nicely when incorporated into the dough. A warm custard can cause the dough to become soggy.
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Shape with love: When cutting and shaping your brioches, do so gently to maintain as much air in the dough as possible. This helps keep them light and fluffy.
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Glaze for shine: Brushing the warm sugar syrup on the baked brioches gives them a beautiful glossy finish, making them look as good as they taste!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches
These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some lovely ideas on how to present this delightful treat!
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
- Fresh berries: Accompany your brioches with a side of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
- Fruit salad: A colorful fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides brightness and freshness that complements the richness of the brioches.
- Greek yogurt: Serving a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on the side adds a tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the sweet pastries.
- Coffee or tea: Pairing these brioches with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea enhances the overall experience and makes it an indulgent breakfast or brunch option.
- Smoothie bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl can add an extra layer of nutrition and flavor, making your meal balanced and wholesome.
Now you’re all set to enjoy these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches! Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or simply as an afternoon treat, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage
These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough and custard in advance, making your mornings sweeter and more manageable.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow brioches to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Consume within 2 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
- Once cooled, wrap each brioche individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped brioches in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for reference.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen brioches overnight in the refrigerator.
- For best results, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
FAQs
If you have questions about this delightful recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use a different filling for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fillings like fruit preserves or different types of chocolate. Just ensure they pair well with the vanilla custard.
How do I know when my brioches are done baking?
Your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches should be golden brown on top. You can also gently tap the bottom – it should sound hollow when they’re fully baked.
Can I make the vanilla custard ahead of time?
Yes! The vanilla custard can be prepared a day or two in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your brioches.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works perfectly for these brioches, providing a nice balance of structure and tenderness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches! They offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to brighten your breakfast or brunch. Enjoy every bite, share with loved ones, and don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine through. Happy baking!
Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches, a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch. These fluffy pastries combine rich chocolate chips with a creamy vanilla custard filling, creating a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these delicious brioches to share with family and friends or enjoy as a special weekday pick-me-up. The versatile nature of this recipe allows for creative variations, making it an ideal option for any occasion. Get ready to impress with these irresistible homemade delights!
Ingredients
- 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10g fresh yeast, crumbled
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened and diced
- 1 cup + 2 teaspoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 vanilla pod
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup sugar (for syrup)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg + 1 yolk, beaten
Instructions
- In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and crumbled yeast. Add in your beaten eggs. Knead at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until everything comes together into a thick dough. Gradually incorporate softened butter and knead until your dough is dense and slightly sticky.
- Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and butter while adding the vanilla pod and its seeds. Once bubbling, remove from heat. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour until well blended. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture over your egg concoction while whisking continuously. Return to heat until it thickens into custard. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until cooled.
- After the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cooled custard over half of your dough, sprinkle mini chocolate chips, and fold over the uncovered half to seal in the filling. Cut into 8 equal rectangles and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rise again for about 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the risen brioches gently with the beaten egg mixture and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a gentle boil until dissolved. Brush this syrup on each brioche right out of the oven. Allow them to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brioche (approximately 80g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
