Name: Cozy Up with Homemade Winter Coffee Brioche Buns
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 92 min
Ingredients: 250 g plain flour (can be swapped with bread flour); 250 g strong white bread flour (aids in rising); 75 g caster sugar (or granulated sugar); 7 g fast-action dried yeast (instant yeast works as a substitute); 1 tsp fine sea salt; 250 ml whole milk (should be warm); 2 eggs (one extra for the wash); 125 g unsalted butter (room temperature, or vegan butter); 1 cup coffee custard (use different coffee blends); 1 cup lightly spiced crumb topping (streusel-style); 1 tbsp grated chocolate (dark chocolate or omit)

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As I cradled a warm cup of coffee one chilly morning, a thought struck me: what could pair perfectly with that rich aroma? Enter the Winter Coffee Brioche Buns—a delightful fusion of buttery brioche and a silky coffee custard filling that dances on the palate. With a spiced crumb topping that adds an enticing crunch, these buns are not just a treat; they’re a cozy embrace, perfect for any brunch or indulgent dessert occasion. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; these buns come together effortlessly, bringing warmth and sophistication to your table. Whether you’re gathering with friends or seeking a comforting solo treat, trust that these luscious buns will elevate your culinary game. Ready to dive into this delightful baking adventure together?

Why are these buns a must-try?

Indulgence at its finest: The combination of buttery brioche and rich coffee custard creates a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delightful buns with minimal fuss.
Perfect for Sharing: These buns are a sure crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for cozy gatherings or weekend brunches with family and friends.
Versatile Choices: Feel free to customize the filling or crumb topping; try adding chocolate custard or different spices for a new twist!
Gourmet Touch: The lightly spiced crumb topping and grated chocolate elevate this recipe to café-quality pastries – wow your guests without the hassle of a bakery!
Pair them with your favorite brew or a side of fresh berries, and for more delightful treats, check out my Blueberry Coffee Cake. Each bite of these Winter Coffee Brioche Buns promises an experience worth savoring!

Winter Coffee Brioche Buns Ingredients

For the Dough
• Plain (all-purpose) flour – Provides structure and is a base for the brioche; can be swapped with bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Strong white bread flour – Adds strength to the dough, aiding in rising; all-purpose flour can work in a pinch.
• Caster (superfine) sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps it rise; regular granulated sugar is an acceptable alternative.
• Fine sea salt – Enhances flavor by balancing out the sweetness.
• Fast-action dried yeast – Essential for leavening the dough; instant yeast serves as a great substitute.
• Whole milk – Enriches the dough and should be warm for proper yeast activation; almond or soy milk works for a dairy-free option.
• Eggs – Provide structure and richness; an extra egg is needed for the wash – consider flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan choice.
• Unsalted butter, room temperature – Adds flavor and tenderness; replace with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

For the Filling
• Coffee custard – Provides a rich, aromatic filling; play around with different coffee blends to suit your taste.

For the Topping
• Lightly spiced crumb topping (streusel-style) – Adds texture and flavor contrast; a mix of oats and nuts can bring a delightful variation.
• Grated chocolate – Serves as a garnish and adds a touch of slight bitterness; opt for dark chocolate or omit if preferred.

Let’s get ready to create these indulgent Winter Coffee Brioche Buns that are sure to warm your heart and home!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Winter Coffee Brioche Buns

Step 1: Prep Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 250g of plain flour, 250g of strong white bread flour, 75g of caster sugar, and 7g of fast-action dried yeast. Gradually pour in 250ml of warm whole milk, followed by two beaten eggs and 125g of room-temperature unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture forms a shaggy dough, then continue mixing until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Knead
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic, achieving a smooth texture. To check doneness, perform the “windowpane test” by stretching a small piece of dough; it should stretch thin without tearing. Once ready, shape the dough into a ball.

Step 3: Shape
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until nearly doubled in size. Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air, then divide it into equal portions (about 100g each). Shape each piece into a bun and create shallow wells in the center for the coffee custard.

Step 4: Proof
Arrange the shaped buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring some space between them for expansion. Cover the tray with a clean tea towel and allow the buns to proof for an additional 30–40 minutes until they puff up significantly. This second rise is crucial for achieving fluffy, airy Winter Coffee Brioche Buns.

Step 5: Fill
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Brush the edges of the wells in each bun with egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and a splash of water) to help the custard adhere. Carefully fill each well with rich coffee custard, using a piping bag for neat filling, then sprinkle the spiced crumb topping generously around the custard.

Step 6: Bake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the buns for 18–22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the custard has puffed slightly. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking; they should have an inviting, warm hue. Once baked, remove them and let cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 7: Garnish
After allowing the Winter Coffee Brioche Buns to cool for about 10 minutes, finish by grating dark chocolate over the custard-filled wells for a touch of decadence. This final flourish not only enhances the presentation but adds a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the buns. Serve warm and enjoy your creation!

What to Serve with Winter Coffee Brioche Buns

Indulging in these warm, buttery treats opens up a world of delightful pairings that enhance their cozy flavors.

Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing contrast that brightens each bite.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy richness that complements the coffee custard perfectly, enhancing the indulgent experience.
Spiced Fruit Compote: A warm compote featuring apples or pears infused with cinnamon enhances the fall flavors, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Perfect for those chilly days!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For a brunch twist, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes — the rich texture pairs unexpectedly well with the buns, providing a hearty element.
Hazelnut Coffee: Elevate the coffee experience with a cup of hazelnut brew; the nutty notes play beautifully with the coffee custard and warm spices.
Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of warm chocolate over your brioche buns adds a luxurious flair, intensifying the dessert-like quality of these tasty treats.

These delightful pairings will have your Winter Coffee Brioche Buns shining at any gathering or cozy morning at home!

How to Store and Freeze Winter Coffee Brioche Buns

Room Temperature: Store leftover buns loosely covered at room temperature for up to 1 day. This helps maintain softness but prevents them from becoming soggy.

Fridge: If you need to store them longer, place the buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to restore their delightful texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the buns in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or warm them in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.

Reheating: To reheat, place the buns in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help revive the buttery goodness of your Winter Coffee Brioche Buns!

Make Ahead Options

These Winter Coffee Brioche Buns are a fantastic choice for busy cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the brioche dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the initial steps, let the dough rise, then refrigerate it instead of allowing it to proof. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough come back to room temperature, shape into buns, and proceed with the proofing and filling steps. Additionally, the coffee custard can be made and stored in the fridge up to 3 days ahead; cover it tightly to prevent a skin from forming. This way, when it’s time to serve, you’ll simply fill the wells with custard and bake for fresh, delightful results!

Winter Coffee Brioche Buns Variations

Feel free to explore these enticing twists on your Winter Coffee Brioche Buns for a delightful surprise with each batch!

Chocolate Custard: Swap the coffee custard with chocolate custard for a rich and decadent option that chocolate lovers will adore.
Spiced Crumb Variety: Play around with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom in the crumb topping for a warm, comforting flavor twist.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumb topping for an added crunch and hearty texture.
Flavor Infusions: Experiment by infusing the dough with orange zest or almond extract for a refreshing aromatic twist!
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute whole milk and unsalted butter with almond milk and vegan butter to create a delicious dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy.
Drizzle of Caramel: For an indulgent finishing touch, consider drizzling warm caramel sauce over the baked buns just before serving for a sweet surprise.
Liqueur Optional: For an adult twist, serve alongside a liqueur like Irish cream, enhancing the coffee flavor for those cozy nights.
Fruity Filling: Swap the coffee custard for a fruit jam or pastry filling for a fruity twist; think raspberry or apricot for a delightful contrast.

For more delightful dessert ideas, don’t miss my homemade Blueberry Coffee Cake – it’s another fantastic way to enjoy flavors that pair beautifully with your favorite coffee or tea!

Expert Tips for Winter Coffee Brioche Buns

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature; this helps the yeast activate better and results in fluffier buns.
Mind the Proofing: Watch your dough closely during proofing. Overproofing can cause the dough to collapse and result in dense buns.
Neat Filling: Use a piping bag to fill the wells with coffee custard. It makes for a tidy presentation and ensures each bite is packed with that delicious filling!
Baking Time Insight: Keep an eye on the baking time! Every oven is different; look for golden-brown tops and a slightly puffed custard to know they’re ready.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Winter Coffee Brioche Buns loosely covered at room temperature. This keeps them soft without trapping moisture that could lead to sogginess.

Winter Coffee Brioche Buns Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right flour for my brioche buns?
Absolutely! For the perfect texture, I recommend using a combination of plain (all-purpose) flour and strong white bread flour. The strong bread flour gives the dough the necessary strength and elasticity, while the all-purpose flour works as a base. If you’re in a pinch, you can use all-purpose flour entirely, but for that delightful chewiness, stick with both types!

How should I store leftover Winter Coffee Brioche Buns?
Very good question! For the best flavor and texture, store your leftover Winter Coffee Brioche Buns loosely covered at room temperature for up to 1 day. This prevents them from becoming soggy while keeping that delightful softness. If you happen to have more buns or want to save them for longer, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheating them gently before serving.

Can I freeze these buns for later?
Absolutely! You can freeze your Winter Coffee Brioche Buns for up to 3 months. To do this, place them in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, or reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! If your dough isn’t rising, it could be that your yeast is old or the liquid you used was too hot or too cold. First, check the expiration date on your yeast. If it’s fine, ensure that your milk is warm (but not hot, around 37°C or 98°F is ideal) when you add it. If everything is in order, give the dough more time to proof in a warm, draft-free area, which can help it along.

Are there any dietary considerations I should know about?
Definitely! If you or someone you’re serving has dietary restrictions, there are great alternatives. You can swap whole milk for almond or soy milk to make this recipe dairy-free. For a vegan option, use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of eggs and vegan butter in place of unsalted butter. Always double-check the ingredients in your coffee custard and crumb topping to avoid any hidden allergens!