Cheese Ensaymada (The Fluffiest, Cheesiest Filipino Brioche You’ll Ever Meet)

Ensaymada is what happens when brioche gets a Filipino makeover. Soft, fluffy, coiled into a beautiful spiral, then slathered with butter, showered with grated cheese, and dusted with sugar.

It’s a labor of love, but that first pull-apart bite—warm, buttery, slightly sweet, salty from the cheese—will make every minute worth it. Perfect with coffee.

Ingredients

Makes 12 ensaymadas.

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Topping:

• ½ cup salted butter, softened (for spreading)
• 1½ cups grated cheese (Edesa, sharp cheddar, or queso de bola)
• ¼ cup sugar (for sprinkling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add egg yolks and warm milk. Mix until shaggy.
2. Knead for 5 minutes. Add softened butter gradually. Knead 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise 1-2 hours until doubled.

Step 2: Shape the Ensaymadas

1. Punch down dough. Divide into 12 balls. Roll each into a long rope (about 15 inches).
2. Flatten slightly. Spread with softened butter. Roll up into a coil. Place in greased muffin tins.

Step 3: Second Rise

1. Let rise 45-60 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Top and Serve

1. While warm, brush generously with softened butter. Sprinkle with grated cheese and sugar. Serve immediately.

Summary

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Rise Time: 2-3 hours | Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: ~3 hours (mostly hands-off)

Yield: 12 ensaymadas

Difficulty: Medium (patience required)

Storage Notes

Room temp: Keeps 2 days in an airtight container.

Fridge: Keeps 1 week. Reheat in oven at 300°F for 5 minutes (microwave = rubbery).

Freezer (unbaked): Freeze shaped coils on a tray, then bag. Thaw overnight in fridge. Proof 1 hour, then bake.

Freezer (baked, untopped): Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes, then add butter, cheese, and sugar.