Brioche

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons yeast packed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar finely ((or just blitz granulated sugar in a blender until ground but not powdery)
• 0.3 cup yeast whole dry cold (( if using compressed yeast, warm if using active yeast)
• 8 large egg yolk 
• 2.3 cups flour all-purpose divided as needed (, )
• 0.3 teaspoon sea salt fine
• 8 tablespoons butter unsalted softened plus more cut into tablespoons and , (1 stick)
• 1 large eggs with a hand blender) well beaten

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• oven
• whisk
• blender
• plastic wrap
• stand mixer
• ziploc bags
• spatula
• kitchen scale

Directions

1. If using compressed yeast, crumble the yeast finely into the bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer.
2. Add the sugar and let stand until the yeast gives off some moisture, about 3 minutes.
3. Whisk well to dissolve.
4. Add the cold milk and yolks and whisk to combine.
5. If using active dry yeast, sprinkle the yeast over 1/3 cup warm, 105° to 115°F (40° to 46°C) milk in a small bowl.
6. Let stand until softened, about 5 minutes, then stir to dissolve.
7. Add to the mixer bowl along with 1 tablespoon cold milk, the sugar, and yolks, and whisk to combine.
8. Attach the bowl to the mixer and fit with the paddle attachment. With the machine on low speed, add 2 cups of the flour and the salt.
9. Mix until the mixture forms a sticky, batter-like dough that clings to the sides of the bowl.
10. Increase the speed to medium. Beat in the softened butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, letting each addition become absorbed before adding another.
11. Remove the paddle attachment.☞ TESTER TIP: The butter must be very soft (but not melted) so it can be incorporated into the dough.
12. Cut it into tablespoon-size pieces and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour before using.
13. Using a spatula, scrape the dough into the center of the bowl. Attach the dough hook to the mixer. Knead the dough on medium-high speed until it is gathers into a ball around the hook. Return to medium speed and knead, adding tablespoons of the remaining flour, until the dough is smooth but feels tacky and sticks to the bottom of the bowl, about 3 minutes.
14. Generously butter a medium bowl. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Gently shape into a ball. Turn the ball, smooth side down, in the bowl, and turn right side up to lightly coat the ball in butter. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
15. Butter twelve 3 1/2-inch-wide brioche tins. Carefully turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface, but do not punch it down—its texture should remind you of a feather-filled pillow.
16. Cut the dough into 12 equal portions. (If you have a kitchen scale, each portion will weigh 2 ounces.)
17. One at a time, shape each portion into a ball on the work surface, taking care not to break the exterior of the dough. To do this, cup both hands around the dough. Carefully turn the dough in your cupped hands to gently shape it into a ball—overhandling will soften the butter too much.
18. Place the dough on its side, with the rough underside facing one side. Lightly dust the side of your hand with flour.
19. Place the side of your hand about 1 inch from the smooth end of the dough. Using the upper part of your hand, including the last finger, move your hand back and forth to cut into the dough, forming a small ball that is attached to the larger portion by a thin strand.
20. Transfer the shaped dough to a brioche tin, holding the larger portion in one hand and the small ball in the other, taking care not to break the connection.
21. Place the larger portion of dough in the bottom of the tin. Using your thumb and first two fingers, still holding the small ball of dough, force a hole into the center of the larger portion of dough, reaching all the way down to the bottom of the tin, and stick the smaller ball in the hole. This keeps it from popping off during baking. Repeat with the remaining balls of dough.
22. Place the tins on a half-sheet pan. Lightly brush the tops of the brioche with some of the beaten egg, reserving the rest.
23. Choose a warm spot in the kitchen for proofing. Slip the half-sheet pan into a tall “kitchen-sized” plastic bag.
24. Place two tall glasses of very hot water near the center of the pan. Wave the opening of the bag to trap air and inflate the bag like a balloon to create “head room,” being sure that the plastic does not touch the sticky dough. Twist the bag closed.
25. Let stand in a warm place until the brioche looks puffy, about 1 hour.
26. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (176°C).
27. Remove the glasses from the bag, and then the pan. Lightly brush the tops of the brioche again with the reserved egg.
28. Bake until the brioche are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
29. Let the brioche cool in their tins for 5 minutes.
30. Remove the brioche from their tins and serve warm or at room temperature. (Leftover brioche—if there are any—can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. They're terrific toasted.)