Modern Coffee Cakes (Brioche)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Milk (Scalded)
• 4 Egg Yolks (Large eggs)
• 2 Whole Eggs (Large eggs)
• 130 g Butter (Unsalted, softened)
• 100 g Sugar
• 375 g All-Purpose Flour
• 7 g Active Dry Yeast
• 1 tsp Salt
• 54 ml Water (Lukewarm, for proofing yeast)

Instructions

1. 1In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water (54ml) and active dry yeast (7g). Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
2. 2In a saucepan, scald the milk (1 cup). Remove from heat and let cool slightly until lukewarm.
3. 3In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, proofed yeast mixture, egg yolks (4), and whole eggs (2). Whisk until well combined.
4. 4In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (375g), sugar (100g), and salt (1 tsp). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
5. 5Gradually add the softened butter (130g) to the dough, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough will be very soft and sticky.
6. 6Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. 7Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small round or oval. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
8. 8Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.