Ingredients
Scale
For the Brioche Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 1 cup raspberry preserves or jam
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
For the Glaze (optional):
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp milk or cream
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Mix warm milk with a pinch of sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Knead on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
- Make raspberry filling: Mix raspberry jam with cornstarch and water in a saucepan. Heat until thickened, then cool.
- Shape the loaf: Punch down dough and roll into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread raspberry filling, leaving ½-inch border. Roll into log, slice lengthwise, twist halves together, and place in greased 9×5-inch pan. Let rise 30-40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush with melted butter and bake 35-40 minutes until golden. Cover with foil last 10 minutes if browning too fast. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
- Add glaze (optional): Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk. Drizzle over cooled loaf.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
- Ensure yeast is frothy before adding to dough.
- Loaf can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Freezing before glazing is possible for make-ahead preparation.
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Christmas Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian