Poppy seed brioche

### Instructions for Poppy Seed Brioche

#### Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
1. In a small bowl, **dissolve the yeast** and **sugar** in the lukewarm **milk**. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.

#### Step 2: Mix the Dough
2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the **flour** and **salt**. Create a well in the center.
3. Add the frothy yeast mixture to the well, followed by the **eggs**, **vanilla extract**, and **butter**. Begin mixing the dough with a wooden spoon or using the dough hook on a stand mixer at a low speed.
4. Once the ingredients start to come together, add the **poppy seeds** and mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will be sticky at this point, but that’s okay.

#### Step 3: Knead the Dough
5. If you’re using a stand mixer, **knead the dough** on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for the same amount of time, folding and pushing the dough until it’s smooth and stretchy.
6. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. **Cover** with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

#### Step 4: Shape the Brioche
7. After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
8. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long, even log. If you prefer, you can also divide it into smaller portions to make individual rolls.
9. **Braid the logs** together to form a beautiful braided loaf or shape it into a round boule, depending on your preference.
10. Place the shaped dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.

#### Step 5: Second Rise
11. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up and nearly doubled in size. This second rise ensures that the brioche will be light and airy.

#### Step 6: Prepare the Egg Wash
12. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
13. In a small bowl, beat the **egg** and set aside. This egg wash will give the brioche its golden, shiny crust.
14. Once the dough has finished rising, brush the surface of the dough with the beaten egg. Then, sprinkle the top with the remaining **poppy seeds**.

#### Step 7: Bake the Brioche
15. Bake the brioche for about **25-30 minutes**, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you want to be sure it’s fully cooked, you can insert a thermometer into the center of the bread— it should read around **190°F (88°C)**.
16. Remove from the oven and let the brioche cool on a wire rack.

#### Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
17. Once the brioche has cooled slightly, slice it up and enjoy! This bread pairs beautifully with butter, jam, or any spread of your choice. It’s also delicious on its own, letting the rich, buttery flavor shine.

### Why You Should Make Poppy Seed Brioche

– **Soft and Fluffy Texture**: Brioche dough is known for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality, and the added poppy seeds give the bread a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
– **Flavorful and Versatile**: With its buttery flavor and slightly sweet taste, Poppy Seed Brioche can be enjoyed with both sweet and savory accompaniments. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish.
– **Great for Special Occasions**: This brioche makes an excellent centerpiece for holidays, gatherings, or whenever you want to impress your guests with homemade bread that looks as beautiful as it tastes.

### Tips for Perfect Poppy Seed Brioche

– **Let the Dough Rise**: Don’t rush the rising time. Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures that the brioche is light and fluffy, with a soft texture that’s the hallmark of this bread.
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: To achieve the best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before incorporating them into the dough.
– **Experiment with Toppings**: You can mix in different toppings like sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or even dried fruit for unique flavor combinations.

### Conclusion

Poppy Seed Brioche is the perfect blend of buttery, soft, and slightly sweet bread with a delightful crunch from the poppy seeds. It’s a versatile, elegant bread that can be enjoyed in so many different ways, from breakfast toast to a decadent sandwich base. With its delicate crumb and irresistible flavor, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking collection. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and treat yourself to the luxurious taste of homemade brioche!