Quick Description
This Soft & Fluffy Milk Bread is the ultimate comfort bread — light, pillowy, and subtly sweet. Made with bread flour, a touch of sugar, and enriched with milk, it’s the perfect bread for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. With a soft, airy texture and a golden-brown crust, this bread is sure to be a favorite in your home!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rise Time: 1.5–2 hours (including resting and proofing)
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 2.5–3 hours
Ingredients List
For the Dough:
- 3 cups bread flour (360 g)
- 3 tbsp sugar (40 g)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup warm milk (120 ml, about 110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup warm water (60 ml)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing on top of the dough before baking)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready for the dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, egg, and warm milk. Stir with a spoon or dough hook until the dough begins to come together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment on medium speed for 6–7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Butter
Add the softened butter to the dough and continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and shiny. This step will give the bread its soft texture.
Step 5: First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can shape it into a round or rectangular shape depending on the type of bread pan you’re using.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the dough rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the second rise, so it’s ready when the dough is.
Step 9: Egg Wash
Once the dough has risen, brush the top with the beaten egg to give it a golden, shiny crust as it bakes.
Step 10: Bake
Bake the bread 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. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing for the best texture. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Additional Notes
- Add-ins: For a twist, you can add raisins, cinnamon, or seeds to the dough for added flavor and texture.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.
- Sweetness Variation: If you prefer a slightly sweeter bread, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the dough.
Dietary Info
- High in Carbs: This bread is rich in carbohydrates, perfect for a pre-workout snack or as a staple for a balanced meal.
- Low in Fat: With just 2 tablespoons of butter in the dough, this bread has a light, airy texture and a relatively low-fat content.
- Not Gluten-Free: This bread uses traditional bread flour, which contains gluten.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Make a Sweet Loaf: Add a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough for a sweet treat.
- Sandwich Bread: This soft and fluffy bread is perfect for making sandwiches, whether with savory fillings like turkey or a sweet peanut butter and jelly.
- French Toast: This bread is also perfect for making French toast, thanks to its soft texture and mild sweetness.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Storage: Store the bread at room temperature for 2–3 days in a bread box or sealed container.
- Freezing: Slice the bread and freeze individual slices for up to 1 month. Thaw in the microwave or at room temperature when needed.
