Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy brioche, infused with the exotic aroma of cardamom, that transports you straight to the cozy cafes of Sweden. "Petites Brioches Suédoises à la Cardamome de Luxe" are not just any pastries; they are a delightful fusion of sweet and spice that will elevate your baking game to a whole new level. With just a little time and love, you can create these luxurious treats that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon indulgence. Ready to impress your family and friends with your baking prowess? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises to make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Swedish
Serves: 12 brioches
Ingredients
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 75g sugar
- 10g salt
- 10g ground cardamom
- 25g fresh yeast
- 250ml milk
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, for egg wash
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and ground cardamom. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Warm the milk to lukewarm temperature (around 37°C/98°F). Crumble the fresh yeast into the warm milk and stir until completely dissolved.
- Pour the yeast-milk mixture into the well of dry ingredients. Add the melted butter at room temperature.
- Using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand, knead the mixture for 10-12 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. The dough should become soft and slightly shiny.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth, round ball.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for expansion.
- Cover the shaped brioches with a clean kitchen towel and let them proof for an additional 30-40 minutes until they have visibly increased in size.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Prepare the egg wash by whisking the egg in a small bowl. Gently brush each brioche with the egg wash, ensuring an even, light coating.
- Bake the brioches in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- For best flavor and texture, serve warm and optionally dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or additional ground cardamom.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. If you’re unsure, test it by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar; it should foam up within a few minutes.
- Knead Thoroughly: Whether using a stand mixer or kneading by hand, make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect brioche texture.
- Warm Environment for Rising: To help the dough rise effectively, find a warm spot in your kitchen. If it’s cold, you can place the dough in an oven that’s turned off but has the light on.
- Don’t Rush the Proofing: Allow the shaped brioches to proof until they’ve visibly puffed up. This step is essential for a light and airy final product.
- Egg Wash for Shine: For a beautiful golden-brown finish, don’t skip the egg wash. Brush it on gently before baking to give your brioches that irresistible shine.
- Serve Warm: These brioches are best enjoyed warm. Consider dusting them with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cardamom for an extra touch of elegance before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
