There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet custard, rich vanilla, and melt-in-your-mouth brioche dough. Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches, also known as Pains Suisses, are the perfect indulgent treat for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. With their soft, pillowy texture and the creamy custard oozing from the center, these little pastries feel like a warm hug for your taste buds. Trust me, you’re going to love these—if you’ve never had one before, you’re in for a real game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

This recipe isn’t just about mixing up some dough—it’s about creating those special moments when you share something utterly irresistible with the people you care about. Here’s why this is a favorite:

Versatile: Whether you’re whipping these up for a cozy breakfast or impressing guests at a weekend brunch, these brioches are always a hit. Imagine the smiles when they see these little beauties on the table.

Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple, yet the outcome feels luxurious. No need for exotic items—just a few pantry staples, and you’ve got yourself a bakery-worthy treat.

Quick and Easy: While these may look fancy, they’re surprisingly straightforward to make. The steps are easy to follow, and you’ll be enjoying warm, fresh pastries in no time.

Customizable: Feel free to switch up the flavors! Love almond? Add some almond paste instead of the custard. Want a more decadent twist? Drizzle melted chocolate on top.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s the kind of recipe that always brings a “wow” factor. Kids, adults, anyone—everyone loves these soft, creamy, and chocolatey bites.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these brioches—it’s made with just a few ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Brioche Dough: The fluffy base that holds it all together. Brioche is rich and buttery, with a slight sweetness that makes it perfect for these decadent treats.

Vanilla Custard: Creamy, dreamy, and full of vanilla goodness. This custard is what takes these brioches to the next level, adding a silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

Chocolate Chips: A few handfuls of chocolate chips scattered through the dough add bursts of rich, gooey chocolate goodness in every bite.

Egg Wash: A simple egg wash gives these pastries a golden, glossy finish, ensuring they look as beautiful as they taste.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these indulgent pastries:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the pastries bake evenly and develop a golden color.

Prepare the Custard: In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Heat gently over medium heat while stirring constantly until the custard thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Roll Out the Brioche Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the brioche dough into a rectangle. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just aim for a nice even thickness.

Spread the Custard: Once the dough is rolled out, spread an even layer of cooled vanilla custard over it. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the custard, making sure they’re well distributed.

Shape the Brioches: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into individual pieces. Arrange the pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Egg Wash: Beat an egg and brush it over the top of each brioche for that shiny, golden finish.

Bake to Perfection: Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the brioches are golden brown and puffed up. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell irresistible!

Cool and Serve: Let the brioches cool slightly before serving. Trust me, they’ll be hard to resist!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 290 calories

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

These brioches are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them that’ll take them to the next level:

With Coffee or Tea: These are perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The creamy custard and chocolate chip goodness will complement your drink perfectly.

Serve with Fresh Fruit: A fresh fruit salad—think berries, citrus, or sliced kiwi—provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the brioches.

Drizzle with Honey or Chocolate Sauce: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some honey or melted chocolate sauce over the brioches.

As a Brunch Treat: These brioches are also fantastic for brunch. They’re sure to be the star of the spread, especially when paired with savory dishes like scrambled eggs or avocado toast.

Garnish with Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a pretty touch and a little extra sweetness.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: Make the custard ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can even prepare the dough the night before, let it rise overnight, and bake fresh pastries in the morning.

Customize the Filling: If you’re not a fan of chocolate, feel free to switch things up. Try using fruit preserves, nuts, or even Nutella for a different flavor twist.

Storage Tips: These brioches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their flaky texture.

Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked brioches before baking. Just assemble them, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the custard for something else?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re not in the mood for vanilla custard, you could try almond paste, fruit preserves, or even a layer of chocolate ganache.

Q2: Can I use store-bought brioche dough?
A2: Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought brioche dough can be a great shortcut. Just roll it out and follow the rest of the steps as usual.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the brioches the night before, let them rise overnight in the fridge, and bake them fresh in the morning.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

Q5: Can I freeze these brioches?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the brioches before baking. Just assemble them, cover, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge.

Q6: Can I make a double batch?
A6: Yes! Feel free to double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd. These brioches disappear quickly, so it’s always good to have extra!

Q7: Can I use a different filling?
A7: Of course! Feel free to get creative with your filling. Try using fruit jam, Nutella, or even a simple layer of cream cheese mixed with sugar.

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat these brioches?
A8: To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes to restore their soft, flaky texture.

Q9: Can I add nuts to the filling?
A9: Yes! Chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or even pistachios would be a delicious addition to the filling.

Q10: How do I know when the brioches are done baking?
A10: They’re done when they’re golden brown and puffed up. The tops should be shiny from the egg wash, and you’ll smell that irresistible, fresh-baked aroma!

Conclusion

There you have it—Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches (Pains Suisses), a delicious pastry that’s a total crowd-pleaser and sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them with family and friends, these sweet, buttery brioches will steal the show every time. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy! You deserve it.