Soft and Delicious Milk Bread

This soft and fluffy milk bread is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy homemade bread recipe. With just a few simple ingredients like milk, yeast, and butter, this bread is both delicious and comforting. It’s the ideal accompaniment to breakfast or a snack and will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Plus, it only takes around 1 hour to prepare and bake!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 150 ml milk (about 2/3 cup)
• 6 grams yeast (about 2 tsp)
• 250 grams wheat flour (about 2 cups)
• 50 grams powdered sugar (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 10 grams milk powder (about 2 tbsp)
• 15 grams butter (about 1 tbsp)
• 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
• Sesame seeds (for topping)

Directions:

• Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, pour 150 ml of milk and add 6 grams of yeast. Let the yeast activate for 5 minutes.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: Add 250 grams of wheat flour, 50 grams of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 10 grams of milk powder. Mix well.
• Knead Dough: Stir the ingredients until a dough forms. Add 15 grams of butter and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• First Rise: Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
• Shape Dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal pieces. Shape the dough as desired.
• Rest Dough: Let the shaped dough rest for 15 minutes to rise slightly.
• Prepare for Baking: Brush the tops of the dough with egg yolk and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
• Bake: Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake for 18 minutes at low heat, then increase the heat to high and bake for an additional 7 minutes until golden brown.
• Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve with butter and jam for a simple breakfast.
2. Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
3. Enjoy as a sandwich with your favorite fillings.
4. Serve with soup or stew for a comforting meal.
5. Slice and use for French toast.

Cooking Tips:

• To ensure the bread is soft, make sure to knead it until smooth and elastic.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the bread with a kitchen towel immediately after baking.
• You can add herbs or cheese to the dough for a savory twist.
• Use fresh milk and yeast for the best rise.
• If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can use poppy seeds or skip them entirely.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.
• Yeast provides B vitamins that are important for metabolism.
• Butter contributes healthy fats that help support brain function.
• Flour provides carbohydrates, a primary energy source for the body.

Dietary Information:

• Contains dairy and gluten.
• Suitable for vegetarians.
• Can be made dairy-free with plant-based butter and milk.
• Not suitable for people with celiac disease (contains wheat flour).

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 120mg

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• You can freeze the bread for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This milk bread is soft, buttery, and delicious, making it perfect for any occasion. The recipe is simple and quick, so you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s versatile, too—you can enjoy it as-is or use it in a variety of ways, from sandwiches to French toast. Plus, it fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma while it bakes!

Conclusion:
This soft and delicious milk bread is perfect for anyone looking to bake something simple and satisfying. It’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or as a side to any meal. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have fresh bread in under 2 hours. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how great it tastes!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
   Yes, but whole wheat flour may result in a denser bread. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
2. Can I make this bread without butter?
   Yes, you can substitute butter with vegetable oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
3. How can I make the bread softer?
   Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, and cover the bread with a towel right after baking to keep the crust soft.
4. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
   Yes, almond milk can be used as a dairy-free option.
5. Do I need to proof the yeast before using it?
   Yes, it’s important to let the yeast activate in the warm milk for 5 minutes before proceeding.
6. How long can I store the bread?
   The bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month.
7. Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the dough?
   Yes, you can add herbs, spices, or even cheese for a savory twist.
8. What if I don’t have sesame seeds?
   You can either skip the seeds or replace them with poppy seeds, flaxseeds, or omit them altogether.
9. Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
   Yes, you can use the dough cycle on a bread machine, then shape and bake as instructed.
10. Why is my bread not rising properly?
    Ensure the yeast is fresh and that the dough is in a warm area to rise.