Name: Brioche Raspberry Lemon Rolls- Sweet & Tangy Bliss
Prep time: 2 h 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients: 24g (3 tablespoons) all-purpose flour; 100g (3.5 oz) whole milk, lukewarm; 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 90g (3 oz) whole milk, lukewarm; 240g (2 cups) all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 teaspoons salt; 1 egg, room temperature; 56g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature, softened; 56g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cubed; 65g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar; Zest of 1 medium lemon; 40g (3 tablespoons) lemon juice; 2 eggs; 1/8 teaspoon salt

Brioche Raspberry Lemon Rolls are more than just a breakfast pastry; they are a sweet symphony of textures and bright, zesty flavors that can transform any morning into a delightful occasion. Imagin extracte sinking your teeth into a cloud-like, buttery brioche dough, swirled with pockets of vibrant, tangy raspberry filling, all kissed with the refreshing zing of lemon. It’s this irresistible combination that has people falling head over heels for these rolls. They offer a sophisticated twist on a classic sweet bun, proving that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly extraordinary. What makes these Brioche Raspberry Lemon Rolls so special is the perfect balance – the richness of the brioche is beautifully cut by the tartness of the raspberries and the fragrant lift of lemon zest, creating an experience that is both comforting and invigorating. Get ready to elevate your baking game with this recipe.

Ingredients:

24g (3 tablespoons) all-purpose flour (for yeast mixture)
100g (3.5 oz) whole milk, lukewarm (for yeast mixture)
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for yeast mixture)
90g (3 oz) whole milk, lukewarm (for dough)
240g (2 cups) all-purpose flour (for dough)
1 1/4 teaspoons salt (for dough)
1 egg, room temperature (for dough)
56g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature, softened (for dough)
56g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cubed (for filling)
65g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar (for filling)
Zest of 1 medium lemon (for filling)
40g (3 tablespoons) lemon juice (for filling)
2 eggs (for egg wash)
1/8 teaspoon salt (for egg wash)

Preparing the Brioche Dough

Activating the Yeast

Start by creating the yeast mixture, which is the first step in ensuring a light and airy brioche. In a small bowl, combine the 24g of all-purpose flour, 100g of lukewarm whole milk, and the 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. This initial bit of flour and sugar acts as a food source for the yeast. Gently whisk in the 1 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for the mixture to become foamy and bubbly; this indicates that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired, and you should start over with fresh yeast.

Mixing the Dough

Once the yeast mixture is active, it’s time to bring the rest of the dough ingredients together. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the remaining 240g of all-purpose flour and 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt. Make sure the salt is well distributed within the flour. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture and the 90g of lukewarm whole milk. Add the room-temperature egg. Begin extract mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough starts to form. This initial mixing helps to hydrate the flour and bring everything together.

Kneading the Dough and Incorporating Butter

Once the dough has come together, increase the mixer speed to medium-low. Continue to knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should start to become smoother. Now comes the crucial step of incorporating the softened 56g of unsalted butter. Add the softened butter, a tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to be fully incorporated before adding the next. This process is key to developing the rich, tender texture of brioche. It will seem like the dough is breaking apart as you add the butter, but keep mixing. As the butter emulsifies into the dough, it will become smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. Continue kneading for another 8-10 minutes after all the butter has been added, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and passes the windowpane test – meaning you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without it tearing.

First Rise

Lightly grease a clean, large bowl with a little oil or non-stick spray. Transfer the kneaded brioche dough to the prepared bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free spot for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. The exact time will depend on the warmth of your kitchen. A slightly warmer environment will speed up the rise.

Making the Raspberry Lemon Filling

Combining Filling Ingredients

While the dough is rising, prepare the delicious raspberry lemon filling. In a medium bowl, combine the 56g of cubed unsalted butter, 65g of granulated sugar, the zest of 1 medium lemon, and the 40g of lemon juice. This combination will create a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet filling that perfectly complements the rich brioche.

Shaping and Second Rise

Rolling and Filling the Dough

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches. Spread the prepared raspberry lemon filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along one of the long edges. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it securely.

Cutting the Rolls

Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. If using floss, slide it under the log, bring the ends up over the top, cross them, and pull to slice through. This method ensures clean cuts without squishing the dough.

Second Rise

Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cut-side up, leaving a little space between them. They will expand and touch during the final rise and baking. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for another 45-60 minutes, or until they are puffy and have nearly doubled in size.

Baking the Brioche Raspberry Lemon Rolls

Egg Wash and Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and the 1/8 teaspoon of salt for the egg wash. This simple mixture will give your rolls a beautiful golden-brown sheen. Gently brush the tops of the risen rolls with the egg wash, ensuring even coverage. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can check for doneness by gently pressing the center of a roll; it should spring back. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Allow the rolls to cool slightly in the pan before serving.

Conclusion:

We hope you’ve enjoyed this delightful journey into creating Brioche Raspberry Lemon Rolls! These rolls are a testament to the magic that happens when soft, eggy brioche meets the vibrant tang of lemon and the sweet burst of raspberries. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a special afternoon tea, or simply as a treat to brighten any day. Don’t be intimidated by the brioche dough; with a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with an incredibly light and flavorful pastry.

For serving, these Brioche Raspberry Lemon Rolls are exquisite on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple lemon glaze takes them to the next level. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Feel free to get creative with variations! If raspberries aren’t in season, try fresh blueberries or even a mixed berry blend. For an extra citrus kick, add a little lemon zest to the dough itself. You can also experiment with different glazes, like a cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze.

The most important ingredient is your enthusiasm, so dive in and enjoy baking these amazing Brioche Raspberry Lemon Rolls. We’re confident you’ll fall in love with them just as much as we have!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The brioche dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days after its initial rise. This slow, cold fermentation actually enhances the flavor. Just let it come to room temperature for about an hour before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have fresh raspberries?

Frozen raspberries work wonderfully in these Brioche Raspberry Lemon Rolls. You can use them directly from frozen when filling your rolls. Just be aware that they might release a bit more moisture, so a slightly thicker glaze might be beneficial.

How should I store leftover Brioche Raspberry Lemon Rolls?

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them once cooled completely. Reheat gently in a low oven or toaster oven to bring back their freshness.