Soft Milk Bread Recipe 🥖🥛🍞
This fluffy, slightly sweet, and buttery milk bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying on its own!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk 🥛 (~110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp (7g) active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour (+ extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
(Optional: Egg wash for shine—mix 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk.)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5–10 mins until frothy. (If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast may be dead.)
2. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead by hand (10 mins) or with a stand mixer (5–7 mins) until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. (Add 1-2 tbsp flour if too wet.)
3. First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Loaf
- Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal pieces. Roll each into a log and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan (or shape into rolls for buns).
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 mins until puffy.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the top with melted butter (or egg wash for shine).
- Bake for 25–30 mins until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool in the pan for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for Success
✅ Milk Temp Matters: Too hot kills yeast; too cold won’t activate it. Aim for ~110°F (warm to touch).
✅ Soft Crust: Brush with butter right after baking for an extra-soft crust.
✅ Storage: Keep in an airtight bag for 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Variations
- Honey Milk Bread: Replace sugar with honey.
- Dinner Rolls: Divide into 12 pieces, bake in a round pan for 20 mins.
- Cheese-Stuffed: Add shredded cheddar before rolling the dough.
Enjoy your pillowy-soft bread! Perfect for French toast, sandwiches, or slathered with jam 🍞✨
Would you like help troubleshooting or adjusting the recipe? 😊