Chocolate Chip Sourdough Brioche Recipe

Brioche is already a luxurious bread, rich with eggs and butter — but when you combine it with the tang of sourdough and the indulgence of chocolate chips, you get a loaf that’s both elegant and comforting. This Chocolate Chip Sourdough Brioche is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack anytime of day.

Using a sourdough starter in brioche adds depth to the flavor while keeping the crumb soft, rich, and slightly tangy. Unlike commercial yeast brioche, this version rises more slowly, developing a complex taste and tender texture. The slow fermentation also makes the bread easier to digest for some people.

Whether you’re serving it toasted with a bit of butter or turning it into French toast, this sourdough brioche with chocolate chips is guaranteed to be a favorite. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy a sweet treat anytime without much fuss.

🕒 Cooking Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (active), plus 10–14 hours fermentation/proofing

• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes

• Total Time: ~12–16 hours (mostly hands-off)

• Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) or 10–12 individual brioche rolls

🍫 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 250g (2 cups) bread flour

• 100g (about ½ cup) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

• 30g (2 tbsp) granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 5g (1 tsp) fine salt

• 120g (½ cup) unsalted butter (softened, room temperature)

• 50ml (3 tbsp) whole milk (lukewarm)

Add-ins:

• 100g (½ cup) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

Optional: 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk for egg wash

👨‍🍳 How to Make Chocolate Chip Sourdough Brioche

Step 1: Mix the Dough

1. In a stand mixer bowl (or large mixing bowl), combine the sourdough starter, eggs, sugar, vanilla, milk, and flour.

2. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Let it rest for 30 minutes to hydrate (autolyse).

Step 2: Add Salt and Butter

3. Add the salt and knead using a dough hook (or by hand) for 2–3 minutes.

4. Gradually add the softened butter, a tablespoon at a time, allowing it to fully incorporate before adding more.

5. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth, glossy, and elastic. It should pull away from the bowl but still be soft.

Step 3: Bulk Fermentation

6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours, performing stretch and folds every hour to build strength.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

7. After the final stretch and fold, gently flatten the dough and fold in the chocolate chips evenly.

8. Shape the dough into a loaf or divide into small balls for individual brioche rolls.

Step 5: Final Proof

9. Place the dough into a greased loaf pan or muffin tin. Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) for cold proofing.

Step 6: Bake

10. Remove dough from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 1 hour.

11. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

12. Brush the top with egg wash (optional) and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and the internal temp reaches 90–95°C (195–200°F).

13. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing or serving.

📝 Notes

• This dough is very soft and enriched, so using a stand mixer is helpful for kneading.

• Cold butter works best if softened slightly before adding. Avoid melting it.

• You can substitute the chocolate chips with chopped chocolate or leave them out for a plain sourdough brioche.

• For a sweeter version, sprinkle sugar on top before baking.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: Yes, but bread flour gives better structure and chew. All-purpose may result in a softer, looser crumb.

Q: My dough is too sticky — what should I do?
A: That’s normal for brioche. Resist the urge to add more flour; instead, chill the dough slightly to make it easier to handle.

Q: Can I freeze the brioche?
A: Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, slice and freeze in an airtight bag for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I add nuts or dried fruits?
A: Yes! Add up to ½ cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit during the folding-in step with the chocolate chips.

🍽️ Nutrition Information (Approximate per slice, based on 10 slices)

Note: Actual nutrition may vary based on chocolate type and portion size.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This recipe contains common allergens including eggs, dairy, gluten, and chocolate. Always check ingredient labels and consult with a healthcare provider if you have dietary restrictions or allergies. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.