Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Published: January 5, 2026

Chocolate chip brioche with vanilla custard filling on a rustic wooden table

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are a delightful fusion of sweet, fluffy brioche and velvety vanilla custard, studded with mini chocolate chips. The act of biting into one reveals a tender, golden crust that gives way to a creamy center bursting with flavor.

This recipe is not only satisfying but also a comforting reminder of home-baked treats that warm the heart. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or an indulgent brunch, these brioches will elevate your culinary experience. Using this step-by-step guide, you’ll discover how easy it is to create these mouthwatering brioches in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to whip up something special without the hassle. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a family-friendly dish that even beginners can tackle. The brioche dough is simple yet incredibly rewarding, and the luscious custard filling adds an impressive touch. These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are not only a sweet treat; they’re also great for special occasions, or just because!

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Gather the following ingredients to create these exquisite brioches that are sure to please your taste buds:

2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for that light, airy texture)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adding a hint of sweetness)
1 teaspoon salt (to balance the flavors)
10 grams fresh yeast, crumbled (the leavening agent for a fluffy rise)
3 large eggs, beaten (for richness and structure)
2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened and diced (to ensure a rich flavor)
1 cup plus 2 teaspoons whole milk (creating a moist dough)
1 teaspoon unsalted butter (for cooking)
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (infusing a wonderful aroma)
2 egg yolks (for the custard’s richness)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness in the custard)
3 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken the custard)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to aid in the custard’s texture)
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for bursts of chocolate in every bite)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the simple syrup)
1/4 cup water (to create the syrup)
1 large egg and 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing before baking)

Step-by-Step Directions for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and crumbled fresh yeast. Mix briefly until everything is well integrated.
Add the beaten eggs to the bowl and knead at medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until a thick and cohesive dough forms.
Gradually incorporate the softened butter into the dough while continuing to knead. After about 20 minutes of mixing, you should have a dense, smooth, and slightly sticky mixture.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it in a warm environment to rise for about 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the custard: Heat the whole milk and 1 teaspoon of butter in a saucepan, adding the split vanilla bean and scraped seeds. Heat until just bubbling.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and flour. Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until the custard thickens. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cool.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the cooled custard over half of this rectangle, then sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the custard.
Fold the dough over to cover the filling and cut it into 8 equal rectangles.
Place the shaped brioches onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise again for 2 hours in a warm environment.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Brush each brioche with the beaten egg and yolk mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, prepare a simple syrup by boiling 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup water until the sugar fully dissolves. Brush this syrup over the warm brioches as soon as they come out of the oven.
Allow the brioches to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them fresh, whether at breakfast or brunch!

Tips & Tricks for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Make it Ahead: You can prepare the custard a day in advance to save time. Just ensure it’s well-covered in the refrigerator.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding different flavorings to your custard such as almond extract or a dash of espresso powder.
Serve Warm: While they are delicious once cooled, serving these brioches warm enhances the flavors and the custard’s creaminess.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Experiment with Fillings: Apart from chocolate chips, try adding caramel bits or fresh fruit to the custard for a twist.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches shine on their own but can be even more delightful when paired with a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk. You can garnish them with a dusting of powdered sugar or serve with a side of whipped cream. They also make an impressive dessert when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the warm brioche to melt into the cold cream.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche contains approximately:

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 5g

These delightful brioches can be a sweet indulgence, and enjoying them in moderation is key to maintaining a balanced diet.

Storing Tips & Variations for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

You can easily freeze these brioches for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes. For a healthier swap, consider using whole wheat flour or reducing the amount of sugar in the brioche dough. Add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to customize the flavor profile even further.

Conclusion for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

If you’re in the mood for a sweet and comforting treat, Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are the perfect choice. With their soft, fluffy texture and rich custard filling, they are destined to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try today, and create delicious memories in your kitchen!

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then cover it and place it in the fridge overnight. Shape and bake the next morning!

2. What can I do if my yeast didn’t activate?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm (not hot) when you activate it. If it doesn’t bubble after 10 minutes, it may not be reliable.

3. How can I make these custard brioches without chocolate?
Simply omit the chocolate chips. You can also experiment with fillings like fruit preserves or flavored custards.

4. Can I substitute whole milk for something else?
You can use 2% milk or almond milk, but this may slightly change the texture of the brioche and custard.

5. How long do the brioches stay fresh?
These brioches are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.