This sweet twisted chocolate chip brioche recipe is a delicious homemade sweet bread made with soft and fluffy yeast dough, creamy homemade lemon pastry cream, and chocolate chips. The dough is rolled out, filled with the creamy mixture and chocolate chips, folded into layers, and twisted into beautiful strips before baking. With its golden-brown exterior, soft texture, and sweet creamy filling, it is a wonderful treat to enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack!
To make the sweet twisted chocolate chip brioche, you first prepare a simple yeast dough and let it rise until doubled in size. While the dough is rising, you make a smooth homemade pastry cream with milk, sugar, egg yolk, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Once the dough is ready, spread the pastry cream over two-thirds of the rolled-out dough, sprinkle with chocolate chips, fold it into three layers, and cut it into strips before twisting. Then, brush with egg yolk, sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake until beautifully golden.
What is Sweet Twisted Chocolate Chip Brioche?
Sweet twisted chocolate chip brioche is a soft and fluffy yeast bread filled with homemade lemon pastry cream and chocolate chips. The dough is lightly sweetened and has a tender texture, while the creamy filling adds a delicious richness with a hint of fresh lemon. The twisted shape gives the bread a beautiful bakery-style appearance, and the chocolate chips add little pockets of sweetness throughout.
Pro Tips
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot when mixing it with the yeast, as milk that is too hot can prevent the yeast from activating.
- Allow the dough enough time to rise until it has doubled in size. This will help create a soft and fluffy texture.
- Stir the pastry cream continuously while cooking to prevent lumps from forming and to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Allow the pastry cream to cool completely before spreading it over the dough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make the Brioche Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and place it in a covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight. When you are ready to make the brioche, allow the dough to come closer to room temperature before rolling it out and adding the filling.
Can I Use Different Chocolate For This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips. Chopped chocolate also works well and creates delicious melted chocolate pockets throughout the brioche.
Can I Make the Pastry Cream Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The pastry cream can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure it is completely chilled before using it as the filling. Give it a quick stir before spreading it over the dough.
How to Store Sweet Twisted Chocolate Chip Brioche
Because this brioche contains homemade pastry cream, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for approximately 2 to 3 days. You can gently warm individual pieces before serving, if desired.
Ingredients
How to Make Sweet Twisted Chocolate Chip Brioche

In a bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. Add the vegetable oil, egg, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms, then knead until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
In a bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. Add the vegetable oil, egg, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms, then knead until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, egg yolk, lemon zest, and milk. Whisk until smooth, then cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens into a creamy pastry cream. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, egg yolk, lemon zest, and milk. Whisk until smooth, then cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens into a creamy pastry cream. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely.

Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the prepared pastry cream over two-thirds of the dough, then sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the cream.
Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the prepared pastry cream over two-thirds of the dough, then sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the cream.

Fold the dough into three parts, creating three layers. Cut the folded dough into strips and twist each strip to create the desired shape.
Fold the dough into three parts, creating three layers. Cut the folded dough into strips and twist each strip to create the desired shape.

Transfer the twisted dough to a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg yolk and sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Transfer the twisted dough to a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg yolk and sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!