Brioche Buns

Sweet, crusty yet very chewy Brioche Buns... Perfect for Friday mornings and you only need few ingredients!

You should have:

• 1 c. warm water
• 4 tablespoons warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2½ tablespoons sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups bread flour
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 2½ tablespoons unsalted butter, softened.
• sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix 1 cup warm water, 4tbsp. milk, yeast and sugar. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, beat 1 egg.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flours, salt and butter. Using the paddle attachment, mix the ingredients until the butter is the size of crumbs.
3. Stir in yeast mixture and beaten egg. Run the mixer on medium-low (I used 2nd speed on my Kitchen Aid) until a dough forms, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and return it to the bowl (it will be sticky and wet). Cover bowl with a clean, damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled is size, 1- 3 hours
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a dough scraper (or chef's knife), divide the dough into 8 equal parts. If you have a scale, weigh each piece to guarantee that they're all the same size.
6. To shape the dough into balls, gently flatten each piece like a pancake. Pull up each side pinching it together in the center. Repeat until the ball is sealed. Flip the ball over (seam side down) and move to an un-floured part of your board (it's easier to roll this way). Place your palm over the top and gently roll into a smooth ball. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet, placing them 2 to 3 inches apart. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let buns rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until puffy and slightly risen.
7. To make the egg wash, beat the remaining egg with a splash of water. When the buns are finished with the 2nd rise, gently brush each one with egg wash. At this point, you could add sesame seeds to the top of your rolls if desired.
8. Preheat your oven to 200C. and place a shallow baking pan on the oven floor. Before the dough goes in, add about ½ cup of water to the pan (to create steam). This will help keep the bread nice and moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.