Soft and Fluffy Yogurt Brioche Recipe

Yogurt Brioche is a pillowy, sweet bread roll with a rich aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This easy homemade version swaps some of the usual butter for yogurt, making it slightly lighter while still indulgently soft. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, these golden buns are a comforting treat that everyone will love.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Ultra Soft Texture: Thanks to yogurt and butter, these buns turn out incredibly fluffy.
• Lightly Sweet and Aromatic: With just the right touch of sugar and vanilla.
• No Fancy Equipment Needed: Simple ingredients, simple method.
• Perfect for Any Time of Day: Great warm with jam, Nutella, or even just plain.

What Is Yogurt Brioche?

Yogurt Brioche is a variation of the classic French brioche, traditionally made with butter and eggs. This version uses yogurt to create a softer, more tender crumb while maintaining the richness and slight sweetness brioche is loved for. It’s ideal for a lighter breakfast bread or an elegant homemade pastry that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Pro Tips for the Best Yogurt Brioche

• Use room-temperature ingredients to help the dough rise properly.
• Don't rush the rise: Let the dough double in size for a light, airy texture.
• Use strong bread flour if you want even more structure and fluffiness.
• Add lemon zest or orange blossom water for extra aroma.
• Let them cool slightly before serving—this helps set the crumb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Dry Yeast Instead of Fresh?

Yes. Replace 16g of fresh yeast with about 5g (1 ½ tsp) of active dry yeast. Dissolve it in warm milk before mixing.

What Type of Yogurt Should I Use?

Plain, full-fat yogurt works best. Greek yogurt also gives a richer texture but may slightly alter the moisture balance.

Why Didn’t My Dough Rise?

Ensure your yeast is active and the dough is in a warm, draft-free area. Cold environments can slow or stop fermentation.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and shape it the next day. Allow to come to room temperature before baking.

Are These Buns Sweet or Savory?

They’re mildly sweet—ideal for breakfast spreads or sweet toppings.

How to Store Yogurt Brioche

Place leftover brioche rolls in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm briefly in the oven at 300°F or microwave for a few seconds to restore softness.

How to Freeze Yogurt Brioche

Freeze cooled brioche buns in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly in the oven for a fresh-from-the-bakery feel.

How to Make Yogurt Brioche

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, crumbled yeast, milk, egg, and yogurt using a spatula.

Gradually incorporate the butter while kneading by hand. Once combined, add the vanilla and knead until smooth and compact.

Cover the bowl with cling film and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Deflate the dough, divide into equal pieces, and shape each into a ball.

Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover with a clean cloth and let rise again for 30 minutes.

Brush the tops with beaten egg and milk. Bake in a preheated oven at 360°F (180°C) for 25 minutes, until golden.

Once slightly cooled, dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.