Soft Brioche Buns - freshly baked bread

Soft Brioche Buns

Dinner Rolls & Buns

Rich, buttery brioche buns with a golden, egg-washed exterior. Perfect for burgers, pulled pork, or enjoyed warm with jam.

Prep Time

25 min

Proof Time

2h

Bake Time

18 min

Servings

12

Calories

220

Ingredients

  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix

    Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg.

  2. 2

    Knead

    Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  3. 3

    First Rise

    Cover and rise 45 minutes until doubled.

  4. 4

    Shape

    Divide into equal pieces and shape as directed.

  5. 5

    Second Rise

    Cover and rise 20–25 minutes until puffy.

  6. 6

    Bake

    Brush with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes until golden. Brush with butter.

Baker's Notes

The secret to incredibly soft dinner rolls is enrichment — butter, milk, and egg create a tender crumb that stays soft for days.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

These soft brioche buns are the kind of treat that turns a regular weeknight dinner into something special. The dough comes together with just a handful of pantry staples — flour, milk, butter, egg, and a touch of sugar — but the result is incredibly rich and tender. A quick egg wash before baking gives them that gorgeous golden sheen, and brushing them with melted butter straight out of the oven keeps the crust wonderfully soft.

Canadian home cooks have fallen hard for these buns because they're versatile enough for everything from burger nights to pulled pork sandwiches to a simple spread of jam and butter. The gentle sweetness pairs beautifully with savoury dishes, and they're the kind of thing that makes guests ask for the recipe.

Tips for the Best Soft Brioche Buns

The secret to great brioche is adding the melted butter gradually, a tablespoon at a time, while the mixer is running. This keeps the dough from breaking apart and gives you that silky-smooth texture. After kneading for 6 to 8 minutes, the dough should feel elastic and spring back when pressed. Let it rest under a clean kitchen towel while you finish dinner prep — the second rise will do most of the work.

What to Serve With It

These brioche buns shine alongside a juicy beef patty for classic burgers, or sliced open for pulled pork sandwiches. They also make a beautiful accompaniment to Sunday roast chicken or braised short ribs. For breakfast, serve them warm with homemade preserves and a generous pat of salted butter.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover brioche buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes — they'll taste freshly baked.

Nutrition Facts

220

cal

7g

Protein

3g

Fat

43g

Carbs

4g

Fiber

256mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?+

Yes. Dissolve active dry yeast in the warm milk first and let it sit 5 minutes until foamy, then proceed with the recipe. You may need an extra 10 minutes for the first rise.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?+

The dough should roughly double in size and feel puffy and jiggly when you gently shake the bowl. Press a finger into it — if the indentation slowly fills back in, it's ready.

Why are my buns dense instead of light and fluffy?+

This usually means the dough didn't rise long enough or the butter was added too quickly. Make sure the milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F), and add the butter one tablespoon at a time while kneading.

Can I freeze unbaked brioche buns?+

Yes. Shape the buns, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

What's the best way to get a deep golden colour on top?+

Brush generously with beaten egg mixed with a splash of milk. Make sure the oven is fully preheated to 375°F (190°C) and bake until the tops are a rich golden brown, about 18 to 20 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

  • Brush with butter immediately after baking for the softest crust.
  • These reheat beautifully wrapped in foil at 300°F for 5 minutes.
  • Freeze extras for up to 3 months — thaw and warm before serving.

Reviews (5)

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. The Baker's Notes really helped me understand the technique. My new favourite bread to bake on weekends.

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already and it's perfect every time.

David C.★★★★★

Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. The bread was the star of the table — warm, crusty, and absolutely delicious.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The crust was perfectly crispy and the crumb was soft and airy. I'll never buy store-bought bread again.