If you’ve ever dreamed of baking your own soft, pillowy bread at home, this Soft Milk Bread recipe is for you! With its tender crumb, slightly sweet flavor, and golden crust, this bread is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. The addition of milk powder and butter gives it an extra-rich texture, while the egg yolk wash adds a beautiful shine. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft and Fluffy: The perfect texture for sandwiches, toast, or snacking.
Slightly Sweet: A touch of powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with jam, or as the base for your favorite sandwiches.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious milk bread:
150 ml (⅔ cup) warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
6 g (2 tsp) yeast (active dry or instant)
250 g (2 cups) wheat flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
50 g (¼ cup) powdered sugar
¼ tsp salt
10 g (1 tbsp) milk powder (for extra richness)
15 g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
1 egg yolk (for brushing)
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, powdered sugar, salt, and milk powder.
Add the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Add the softened butter and knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles.
Divide the dough into equal portions (depending on the size of your loaf pan or baking dish). Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
Place the dough balls into a greased loaf pan or baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
5. Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
6. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Brush and Bake
Lightly beat the egg yolk and brush it over the top of the risen dough. This will give the bread a beautiful golden crust.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Soft Milk Bread
Use Bread Flour: For an even softer and fluffier texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Don’t Skip the Milk Powder: It adds richness and enhances the flavor of the bread.
Knead Well: Proper kneading ensures a smooth and elastic dough, which is key to achieving the perfect texture.
Store Properly: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
With Butter: Enjoy a warm slice with a pat of butter for a simple and satisfying treat.
As Toast: Perfect for breakfast with jam, honey, or your favorite spread.
For Sandwiches: Use this bread as the base for sandwiches, burgers, or sliders.
With Soup: Pair with a bowl of soup or stew for a comforting meal.
Why This Recipe Works
Perfect Texture: The combination of milk, butter, and milk powder creates a soft and tender crumb.
Slightly Sweet: The powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the bread.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and clear instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
Versatile: Enjoy it in countless ways, from breakfast to dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Milk Bread is a must-try for anyone who loves homemade bread. It’s soft, fluffy, and incredibly versatile, making it a staple in any kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread! 🥛🍞✨
Let me know if you’d like to add more details or adjust the tone! 😊
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