Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches: A Bakery-Worthy Treat at Home

Some mornings deserve something extra special. And when you want a pastry that feels straight out of a European bakery but is easy enough to make at home, Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are the answer.

These golden, buttery brioche buns are filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with melty chocolate chips. They’re soft, rich, and slightly sweet perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. When they come out of the oven, the smell alone is enough to make everyone gather in the kitchen!

This recipe is your shortcut to café-style pastry without the complicated steps. Using pre-made brioche dough or puff pastry makes this doable for home bakers of any level.

this Recipe

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What Are Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches?

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are soft, fluffy rolls made with buttery brioche dough, filled with smooth pastry cream (also known as crème pâtissière), and topped with chocolate chips. As they bake, the custard sets lightly and the chocolate melts into creamy pools on top.

These pastries are inspired by the French “brioche suisse” but with a swirl shape and a bakery-style presentation. They’re glossy, golden, and absolutely irresistible.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery, soft brioche filled with rich vanilla custard
• Melted chocolate chips on top for extra indulgence
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee treat
• Easier than it looks thanks to store-bought dough options
• Bakery-quality results from your own kitchen

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What Do These Brioches Taste Like?

Each bite is a mix of textures—the soft, buttery crumb of the brioche, the smooth and creamy vanilla custard, and the melty chocolate chips on top. The pastry is rich but not too heavy, with just the right amount of sweetness.

The custard adds a luscious creaminess that soaks slightly into the dough, and the chocolate gives each bite a little pop of decadent flavor. It’s like biting into a cream-filled pastry crossed with a chocolate croissant, but better.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brioche Dough:

• 1 package store-bought brioche dough (or use puff pastry for a shortcut)

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 egg yolks
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• ½ cup chocolate chips (semisweet or dark)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

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Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan for custard
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

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Ingredient Swaps and Additions

• Use white chocolate chips for a different twist
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo
• Use croissant dough if you prefer flakier texture
• Stir a bit of orange zest into the custard for a citrus note

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How to Make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Step 1: Make the Custard

In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly add the milk while whisking. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Roll out the brioche dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.

Step 3: Assemble the Brioches

Spread the cooled custard over the dough. Roll it up lengthwise and slice into rounds (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick). Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of each brioche round, pressing them slightly into the custard.

Step 5: Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the sides of the brioche dough with the egg wash for a golden finish.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best gooey chocolate experience!

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What to Serve with These Brioches

• Fresh coffee or espresso
• Hot chocolate or chai tea
• Fresh fruit for a balanced brunch plate
• A dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair

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Tips for Success

• Let the custard cool completely before assembling to avoid soggy dough.
• Don’t skip the egg wash—it gives the pastry a glossy bakery finish.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
• These are best enjoyed warm, but you can store leftovers and reheat briefly in the oven.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover brioches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh them.

For longer storage, freeze the baked brioches and reheat straight from frozen at 325°F for 8-10 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade brioche dough?
Absolutely! If you have time, homemade dough will make these even better.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—prepare and assemble the brioches the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.

What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semisweet or dark chocolate chips melt beautifully and balance the sweetness of the custard.

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Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches bring the charm of a French bakery right into your home kitchen. They’re buttery, creamy, chocolatey, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or just treating yourself, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 6g
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 180mg

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July 18, 2025 by Melissa