Here’s a simple and delicious Milk Bread recipe that yields soft, fluffy loaves perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Milk Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the softened butter and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step, kneading on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes.
- First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Loaves:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a smooth ball, then flatten each ball into a rectangle. Roll the rectangle tightly from one end to form a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped loaves seam-side down in greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have risen just above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Bread:
- (Optional) Brush the tops of the loaves with a beaten egg for a glossy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy!
Your soft and fluffy Milk Bread is ready to be sliced and enjoyed! It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply with a spread of butter or jam.
