Milk Bread is a soft, fluffy bread that has a slightly sweet, rich flavor thanks to the addition of milk. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. Here’s a recipe to make delicious milk bread at home.
Milk Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk (lukewarm)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (you may need a little more or less)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon powdered milk (optional, but adds to the flavor)
- 1/4 cup water (for activating the yeast)
- 1 egg (for brushing the top, optional for golden color)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water (not too hot) and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered milk (if using), and salt.
- Add the activated yeast mixture, whole milk, and softened butter into the flour mixture. Stir everything together until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for about 6-7 minutes on low speed.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as the dough should be soft.
4. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can either roll it into a log shape or divide it into smaller portions for mini loaves or rolls.
6. Second Rise:
- Grease a loaf pan and place the shaped dough into it. Cover the pan with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen to the top of the pan.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake the Bread:
- If you want a golden top, you can lightly brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg (optional).
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- Texture: Milk bread is known for its soft, fluffy texture, so make sure not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
- Flavor Adjustments: You can add a bit more sugar if you want a slightly sweeter bread, or experiment with different types of milk (like almond or oat milk) for a different flavor.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage. Just slice it and wrap it well before freezing.
This Milk Bread is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or a delicious treat with a bit of butter. It’s easy to make, and its soft texture will make it a favorite in your home!