The delightful aroma of orange zest paired with rich chocolate chips takes center stage in this luscious, bakery-style brioche bread. Twisted into a beautiful loaf, this recipe offers a stunning visual and flavor profile—perfect for any brunch table, weekend treat, or gifting occasion.
Not only is it impressive in presentation, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a handful of pantry staples and some patience for rising time, you can create this golden, soft loaf that makes everything from breakfast to dessert a little more special. And if you’ve got leftovers (rare!), it makes the most indulgent French toast imaginable.
Full Recipe:
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1 cup milk
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8 grams active dry yeast (1 packet)
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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¼ cup butter, chilled and cubed
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Zest of 1 orange
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For shaping the brioche bread:
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1 cup dark chocolate chips
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2 tbsp melted butter, divided
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½ teaspoon salt flakes (optional)
Directions:
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Heat milk in a small saucepan until lukewarm. Transfer to a bowl and stir in yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
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In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cubed butter and mix with the paddle attachment until incorporated.
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Switch to the dough hook, then add the foamy yeast mixture, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Knead for 7–8 minutes until smooth.
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Cover and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 3 hours or until tripled in size.
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Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on the long sides. Grease the sides not covered by paper.
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On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Brush with 1 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips.
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Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice in half lengthwise, exposing the chocolate chips, keeping one end intact.
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Twist the two halves together and tuck the ends underneath. Transfer to the prepared pan. Cover and let rise for another hour.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush with remaining butter and sprinkle with salt flakes (if using).
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Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Prep Time: 50 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Resting Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 323 kcal | Servings: 12 slices
A Luxurious Twist on Classic Brioche: Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread
Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread is the epitome of elevated home baking—delicate, buttery, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. What makes this version especially memorable is the subtle infusion of orange zest and the decadent swirls of dark chocolate chips woven into every bite. This bread straddles the line between pastry and bread, making it a versatile treat suitable for breakfast, dessert, or anything in between.
The Origins and Elegance of Brioche
Brioche originates from France and is known for its rich, tender crumb and high butter and egg content. The result is a light, airy, yet indulgent bread that behaves more like a pastry. The French have long embraced brioche for its ability to bridge casual and celebratory dining. From the simpler brioche à tête to grand celebratory forms like brioche Nanterre, its variations are nearly endless.
Adding chocolate chips to a brioche base is not a new concept but is deeply appreciated by both traditionalists and modern bakers. This twist on brioche aligns with how regional and seasonal ingredients, like citrus zest and dark chocolate, can elevate an already luxurious dough into a completely new experience.
Why Chocolate and Orange?
The pairing of chocolate and orange has roots in European culinary traditions, particularly in Mediterranean regions where citrus fruits grow abundantly. The brightness of orange zest balances the depth of dark chocolate. In this brioche bread, the orange zest infuses the dough with a natural aroma that doesn’t overpower, while the chocolate chips provide bursts of rich, bittersweet flavor throughout each slice.
This flavor combination also lends itself beautifully to various uses—enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter, slightly toasted as an afternoon snack, or even repurposed into French toast or bread pudding. It’s a smart way to make a single recipe do double (or triple) duty in your kitchen.
Texture, Aroma, and Visual Appeal
What makes this Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread so striking isn’t just the flavor—it’s the look and feel of the loaf. The twist method used to shape the dough results in a visually captivating loaf with layers that open slightly during baking, revealing pockets of melted chocolate.
The crust achieves a golden-brown hue thanks to a light butter brush before baking. Optionally, finishing the loaf with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes enhances both the appearance and the flavor, offering a hint of savory balance to the sweetness.
Once sliced, the interior is soft and cloud-like, yet rich and satisfying. Each slice tells a story—swirls of chocolate, delicate orange fragrance, and that unmistakable buttery depth of flavor.
Storage and Shelf Life
Like many homemade breads made without preservatives, Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread is best enjoyed within the first two to three days. However, it stores quite well when wrapped tightly in plastic or stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
To extend its life, it can be frozen. Simply wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or store slices in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a just-baked texture and aroma.
One of the best features of this bread is its versatility after the initial bake. Slightly stale slices make for the most luxurious French toast or a rich bread pudding—perfect for weekend brunches or cozy desserts.
Tips for Success
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Proofing Matters: Brioche dough is enriched with eggs and butter, which slows fermentation. Be patient during rising stages, especially the first proof. You want the dough to at least triple in volume before shaping.
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Use Quality Chocolate: Dark chocolate chips with at least 60% cacao are recommended to balance the sweetness of the dough and provide a more intense chocolate flavor.
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Zest Properly: Use fresh orange zest and avoid the white pith, which can be bitter. The zest adds complexity and freshness to the flavor profile.
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Twist with Confidence: Shaping the dough might seem intimidating, but it’s forgiving. Even if some chocolate chips fall out during the process, they can be gently pressed back in or sprinkled on top.
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Room Temperature Butter: When brushing the loaf before baking, melted butter should be slightly cooled to avoid sinking into the dough too much. This helps achieve that golden-brown, crisp crust.
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Rising Time: Rising can be affected by the ambient temperature in your kitchen. On cooler days, place the dough in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven with a bowl of hot water inside to create a proofing box.
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Batch and Freeze: If you’re already investing time into proofing and shaping one loaf, consider doubling the recipe. One loaf can be enjoyed fresh, and the second can be frozen for future enjoyment.
Variations and Customizations
While this recipe uses dark chocolate and orange zest, it’s also a fantastic canvas for creativity. Here are some inspired variations:
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped hazelnuts, slivered almonds, or pistachios along with (or in place of) some chocolate chips.
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Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the flour for a warm flavor twist.
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Citrus Swap: Lemon zest offers a more subtle citrus note and pairs well with white chocolate for a lighter version.
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Festive Version: For holidays, fold in dried cranberries and use white chocolate for a more colorful, seasonal loaf.
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Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter substitutes to make this recipe suitable for dairy-sensitive individuals.
Cultural Significance and Celebration-Worthy Bread
In Italy, brioche breads, known for their soft texture and sweet richness, are a staple in Sicilian and Southern Italian pastry-making. This chocolate chip version, while not strictly traditional, is very much in the spirit of Italian baking—resourceful, celebratory, and deeply satisfying.
Baking a brioche from scratch is a ritual of patience and care. It’s about more than just combining ingredients—each step invites intention. From proofing the yeast to carefully shaping the loaf, this recipe rewards the baker with not only a beautiful product but also a sense of accomplishment.
Whether served at Sunday brunch, offered as a thoughtful homemade gift, or shared during festive occasions, this loaf commands attention and appreciation.
Conclusion: A Recipe to Revisit Again and Again
Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. It transforms your kitchen into a bakery, your table into a place of delight, and a few simple ingredients into something magical. The marriage of orange zest and dark chocolate is both classic and refreshing, and the brioche itself is endlessly adaptable to your tastes and seasons.
This bread is perfect for those who want to explore the world of enriched doughs without the intimidation of complex techniques. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again—not just for its flavor, but for the joy it brings to your home and those you share it with.