This pillowy-soft milk bread loaf is a must-try for anyone who loves a light, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own, this bread is incredibly versatile and stays fresh for days! Let’s get baking!
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
⏲️ Rise Time: 2 hours (total)
🍞 Bake Time: 25 minutes
🥖 Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
👨👩👧👦 Servings: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) bread flour 🌾
- 2 tbsp (30g) granulated sugar 🍬
- 1 tsp (5g) salt 🧂
- 2 tsp (7g) instant yeast 🌿
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C) 🥛
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add the warm milk and egg, and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Add the softened butter and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a stand mixer, until it is smooth and elastic.
- The dough should be slightly sticky but not cling excessively to your hands.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball or shape into logs.
- Arrange the pieces in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the pan and let the dough rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it rises just above the edge of the pan.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the dough with milk or an egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the bread from the pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Pro Tips for Success:
- Use warm milk (not hot!) to help activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which creates the fluffy texture.
- Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
This fluffy milk bread loaf will become your new favorite! Whether you’re slathering it with butter, making French toast, or crafting the ultimate sandwich, every slice is pure comfort. 🥖💕