Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 ½ cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, beaten
- For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, and beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Mix with a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer or by hand until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 45-60 minutes, or until it reaches the top of the pan.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Loaf:
- Brush the top of the loaf with beaten egg for a golden brown crust (optional).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Loaf:
- Use warm water to activate the yeast.
- Don’t over-knead the dough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Don’t open the oven door too often while baking.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade, fluffy white bread!