Description
Hibiscus & Rosewater Brioche Twists are a unique twist on the classic French brioche, infusing the rich, buttery dough with floral hibiscus syrup and rosewater. The result is a pastry that’s tender, slightly sweet, and beautifully aromatic. The twists are visually stunning, with a lovely spiraled shape that invites you to take a bite. When you sink your teeth into one, you’ll experience a perfect balance of soft dough, a sweet floral filling, and a hint of citrus brightness.
Ingredients
For the Brioche Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp rosewater
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but adds brightness)
For the Hibiscus Filling:
- ½ cup dried hibiscus flowers
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rosewater
For Garnish:
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk)
- Powdered sugar or edible dried petals (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Hibiscus Syrup:
- Simmer hibiscus flowers in water and sugar for 10–15 minutes until syrupy.
- Stir in honey and rosewater.
- Strain and cool. Reserve the syrup and softened petals.
2. Prepare Brioche Dough:
- Activate yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar (let sit 10 mins).
- In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add eggs, vanilla, rosewater, and yeast mixture.
- Mix until combined, then add butter gradually.
- Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 mins).
- Cover and let rise until doubled (about 2 hours).
3. Shape the Twists:
- Divide dough into 12 equal balls.
- Roll each into a rope, flatten slightly, and spread hibiscus filling.
- Fold and twist into spirals.
- Place on parchment-lined tray, cover, and let rise 30–45 mins.
4. Bake:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
5. Finish:
- Drizzle with reserved hibiscus syrup or dust with powdered sugar.
- Garnish with dried rose petals if desired.
Notes
These Hibiscus & Rosewater Brioche Twists taste best when enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them slightly before serving to bring back their soft, fragrant texture. They also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an elegant treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1.5–2 hours rising)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: ~210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Hibiscus brioche, Rosewater brioche, Floral brioche twists, Hibiscus and rosewater pastry, Brioche twists with floral filling