Brioches with Chocolate Chips

Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it set for a few minutes to make sure it’s totally dissolved.

Place the flour in a mound on a clean working surface, make a well in the center and add softened butter, dissolved yeast, sugar, salt, 3 eggs and the chocolate chips. Mix together all of the dough ingredients by hand for about 10 minutes, to make a soft and smooth dough (not sticky). You may need to add a bit more flour if it’s too sticky.

Place dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 2 hours in a warm draft-free place, until double in size. Once the dough has risen, place it back on working table, cut into 3 equal pieces and roll each into a long cylinder. Then form a braid with the 3 cylinders.

Brush the top of the braided dough with egg yolk (using a pastry brush) and sprinkle some sugar crystals over the top.

Place some baking paper onto a 13-by-9 inch baking pan, then gently lift the dough braid into the pan, and let it rise for about 1/2 hour. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Bake the brioche in preheated oven until golden, for about 45 minutes.