Brioche

1. Combine the warm milk, half the sugar, and the yeast in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes.
2. Add the flour, egg, remaining sugar, salt, and milk mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer.
3. Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer. Turn the speed control to 2 and mix until the dough begins to come together. Increase the speed to 4 and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Return the speed to 2 and gradually add the softened butter. Continue mixing until all the butter is well incorporated. Mix for another 2 minutes. The dough will remain sticky at this stage.
5. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
6. Coat your hands with a little oil and turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Divide the dough into 3 pieces and shape each piece into a "rope."
7. Braid the three pieces of dough. Cover again with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for another 45 minutes.
8. Alternatively, brush the brioche with egg.
9. Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes.