Wayfarer’s BRIOCHE BUNS

French Cuisine – Brioche Buns

A Taste of History: The Legacy of Brioche

Brioche is a golden-hued, buttery bread that traces its origins to 15th-century France, where it was a delicacy enjoyed by the aristocracy. Made with eggs, milk, and butter, brioche symbolized prosperity and refinement in a society that largely relied on simple loaves. Its name is believed to derive from the Norman word brier, meaning to knead, reflecting the labour-intensive process of enriching dough.

In pre-revolutionary France, brioche was more than just bread—it was a symbol of luxury in contrast to the daily hardship of peasants. Today, brioche has traversed borders and cultures, gracing everything from burgers to breakfast tables with its unmistakably tender crumb and rich flavor.

A Word from the Wayfarer Baker

Welcome to my kitchen! After years of wandering through refugee camps, relief hubs, and conflict zones, where sustenance often meant survival, I now find joy in recreating dishes that celebrate abundance, warmth, and beauty. These brioche buns are a little piece of comfort I often return to. Their golden crust, soft interior, and gently sweet richness are reminiscent of the kind of hospitality I’ve encountered in the most unexpected places.

Here’s a humble offering from my oven to yours—may these buns remind you of how something as simple as bread can carry stories of resilience, history, and grace.

Ingredients (Makes 4 Buns)

For the Dough:

• ½ cup whole milk

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup whole wheat flour

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

For the Topping:

• 1 large egg yolk

• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

Preparation Process

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

· Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it just begins to steam—do not boil.

· Remove from heat, stir in the water, and allow the mixture to cool to about 105°F.

· Stir in the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

· Stir in softened butter and the beaten egg into the milk mixture.

· In a mixer bowl, combine both flours, sugar, and salt.

· With a dough hook, slowly mix in the liquid ingredients. Knead for 8–10 minutes medium-high. The dough will be slightly sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

· Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about.

· 2 hours or until doubled.

Step 4: Shape the Buns

· Punch down the dough and divide it into four equal portions (about 95–97g each).

· Roll into smooth balls, tucking edges underneath. Let them rest on a baking tray covered loosely with plastic wrap for 1 hour until puffy.

Step 5: Topping and Baking

· Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

· Beat the egg yolk with a splash of water and brush over each bun. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

· 12. Bake for 16–19 minutes until deeply golden.

Nutrition Content (Per Bun – Approximate)

• Calories: 230

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 8g

• Carbohydrates: 31g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

(These values are estimates and may vary slightly based on specific ingredients used.)

Pro Variation Tips

• Flour Swap: Prefer a more traditional brioche? Replace whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour and add 1–2 tablespoons extra flour to adjust stickiness.

• Climate Note: Dough too sticky? Your kitchen humidity might be the cause. Add more flour a tablespoon at a time as needed.

• Storage Hack: These freeze well. Enjoy two fresh and stash two in the freezer for later—just thaw on the counter and toast before serving.

Concluding Thoughts:

These brioche buns are not just burger holders—they’re memory-keepers. They carry the scent of home, the quiet joy of waiting while dough rises, and the satisfaction of watching golden domes emerge from the oven. Whether you serve them at a dinner party or a quiet solo lunch, they’re sure to warm hearts.

As a Wayfarer and a former aid worker, I’ve learned that breaking bread together—be it in a bustling field kitchen or a quiet bakery—is the beginning of connection. I hope this recipe brings that same spirit into your kitchen.

The Wayfarer's Brioche Buns recipe—and also reflects the life journey of the author (a former aid worker who has served in hardship settings and now finds beauty in baking and hospitality) and believes that Acts 2:46 (NIV) is a verse that speaks of resilience, provision, community, and the sacred act of breaking bread.

Adios Amigo, Until the next bake,
The Wayfarer

“Crumbs-n-Wonders_95 – Where every crumb tells a story” 

December 2023, Delhi, India