Welcome back, dear readers! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for the most delightful, super soft milk bread. This bread is known for its pillowy texture and slightly sweet flavor, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is straightforward and sure to yield impressive results. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this fluffy, delicious bread!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Bread flour: 350g (2 1/2 cups)
• Sugar: 37g (5 Tbsp)
• Salt: 2.5g (1/2 tsp)
• Lukewarm milk: 190ml (approximately 3/4 cup)
• Instant yeast: 4g (1 heaped tsp)
• Whole egg: 1 (55g)
• Unsalted butter: 40g (3 Tbsp)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Dough hook (if using a stand mixer)
• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
• Loaf pan
• Oven

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, and salt. Stir to mix well.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the whole egg to the milk and yeast mixture, and stir to combine.
4. Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on medium speed.
5. Knead the Dough: Add the unsalted butter to the dough. Knead by hand on a floured surface or continue mixing in the stand mixer for about 10-15 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

First Rise

6. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping the Dough

7. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Lightly grease a loaf pan and set aside.
8. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into the prepared loaf pan.

Second Rise

9. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size and risen above the edge of the pan.

Baking the Bread

10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
11. Bake: Once the dough has completed its second rise, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cooling and Serving

12. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Serve: Slice and enjoy the super soft milk bread on its own, or with your favorite spreads and toppings.

Tips and Variations

• Enrich the Flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of honey to the dough for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add-ins: Mix in raisins, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for a sweet variation.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk and use vegan butter to make a dairy-free version.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover milk bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. However, you’ll need to activate it in the lukewarm milk for about 10 minutes until it’s frothy before adding it to the dough.

How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough is properly kneaded when it is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. You can also perform the “windowpane test” by stretching a small piece of dough. If it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, it’s ready.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a bread machine. Add the ingredients to the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically starting with the wet ingredients, followed by the dry ingredients, and yeast last.

Final Thoughts

This super soft milk bread is a delightful addition to any meal. Its fluffy texture and rich flavor make it a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying a slice with butter, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and see how easy it is to make delicious homemade bread!