Soft Milk Bread
Ingredients
1 cup warm milk (not hot – around 110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
Step by Step Directions
1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated.
2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the rest of the sugar, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture.
Whisk or stir until smooth.
3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture.
Stir until a sticky dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface.
4: Knead the Dough
Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
If the dough sticks too much, add a light sprinkle of flour but don’t overdo it.
5: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel.
Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough, divide into equal portions, and shape into balls, loaves, or rolls.
Place into a greased pan, cover, and let rise another 30-45 minutes.
7: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Optional: Brush with melted butter as soon as it comes out for a glossy, soft crust.
8: Cool and Enjoy
Let bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to preserve the structure and moisture.
