This recipe yields a classic, soft, and fluffy milk bread perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110-115°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- For Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the flour mixture.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch Down: Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
- Shape the Bread:
- Option 1 (Loaf Pan): Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place in two greased loaf pans.
- Option 2 (Freeform): Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place on a lightly floured baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped bread and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the bread with egg wash.
- Loaf Pans: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Freeform: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations:
- For enriched flavor, add 1/4 cup of milk powder to the flour mixture.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the dough for a sweeter bread.
- For a heartier bread, add 1/4 cup of rolled oats to the flour mixture.
- To make braided bread, divide the dough into three equal parts and braid them together before the second rise.
Enjoy your homemade Soft & Fluffy Milk Bread!