Fluffy Happiness: Easy Milk Bread

$- 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C) - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted These main ingredients are the heart of your milk bread. All-purpose flour gives the bread its structure. Warm milk helps activate the yeast. Granulated sugar adds a hint of sweetness. Unsalted butter brings moisture and rich flavor. - 1 large egg - Extra milk for brushing The egg adds richness and helps with browning. Brushing the top with milk gives a nice golden finish. These optional items can enhance the taste and look. - Mixing bowls - Measuring cups and spoons - Whisk - 9x5-inch loaf pan Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Mixing bowls are great for combining ingredients. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy. A whisk helps mix wet ingredients well. Finally, a 9x5-inch loaf pan shapes your bread perfectly. With these ingredients and tools, you can make fluffy milk bread with ease. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to mix warm milk and sugar. Use one cup of warm milk, about 110°F (45°C). Stir in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This step helps the sugar dissolve and wakes up the yeast. Next, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of instant yeast on top of the warm milk mixture. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets frothy. This shows the yeast is active. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour. Pour the yeast mixture into this well. Add 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 large egg. Mix until a dough begins to form. Now, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. This step builds the dough's structure. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. It should double in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. This step is key for a good texture. Next, shape the dough into a loaf. Flatten it out and roll it tightly from one end. Place the shaped loaf in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover the loaf again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. It should puff up nicely. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the dough with extra milk. This gives it a golden finish. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. It should be golden and sound hollow when tapped. After baking, remove the loaf from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your fluffy milk bread! To ensure your yeast is active, check the temperature of your milk. The milk should feel warm, around 110°F (45°C). Mix the warm milk with sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Wait about 5 minutes until it looks frothy. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to work. Kneading is key to great bread. After mixing your dough, place it on a lightly floured surface. Knead it firmly for about 10 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic. This helps form gluten, which gives your bread that soft texture we love. For that golden top, brush the dough with a little extra milk before baking. Use a pastry brush for even coverage. This small step adds color and shine to your bread. Baking your milk bread at the right temperature is important. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped. This ensures a soft inside and a nice crust. When slicing your milk bread, use a serrated knife for clean cuts. This helps keep the soft texture intact. Aim for even slices, about 1 inch thick. For serving, warm slices with a pat of butter or your favorite jam. You can also wrap the bread in a nice cloth for a rustic look. This adds charm when you serve it at the table. Enjoy the fluffy happiness of your homemade milk bread! Pro Tips Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your instant yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Check the expiration date to avoid dense bread. Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, giving the bread its fluffiness. Perfect Rising Environment: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. A turned-off oven with a bowl of hot water works well. Cooling Process: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack to maintain its soft texture and prevent sogginess. {{image_2}} You can spice up your milk bread in many ways. Incorporating herbs adds a fresh taste. Try rosemary or thyme for a savory twist. Just mix in a teaspoon or two of dried herbs when you add the flour. Adding dried fruits or nuts brings sweetness and crunch. Consider raisins, cranberries, or walnuts. Toss in about half a cup of your favorite dried fruit or nuts into the dough. This makes for a delicious surprise in every bite. Want to change how your bread looks? You can make rolls instead of a loaf. Simply divide the dough into smaller pieces and shape them into balls. Place them close together on a baking sheet. This makes soft, pull-apart rolls that are perfect for any meal. Braiding the bread is another fun option. After the first rise, divide the dough into three equal parts. Roll each part into long strands. Then, braid them together and place in a loaf pan. This not only looks beautiful but also gives a nice texture. If you need a gluten-free option, it’s easy to adapt this recipe. Use a good gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. For a vegan version, swap out the milk for plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Replace the egg with a flax egg. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. This keeps your bread light and fluffy without using animal products. To store your Easy Milk Bread at room temperature, wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in a cool, dry area. This keeps the bread soft for about 2 to 3 days. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as that can make it dry out faster. For long-term storage, you can freeze your bread. Slice the loaf into pieces for easy use. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. This method helps keep the bread fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, simply take out the slices you need. Place them in the fridge overnight or let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. To reheat your bread, use an oven or a microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil to stay soft. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. In the microwave, place a slice on a plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 10-15 seconds. This method helps keep the bread moist and soft. Enjoy your warm, fluffy milk bread! Easy milk bread can last about 2-3 days at room temperature. Store it in a bread box or a sealed bag. If you want it fresh for longer, freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, just thaw and reheat to enjoy that soft texture. Yes, you can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has more protein. This helps the bread rise higher and gives it a chewier texture. Just replace the all-purpose flour with bread flour in the same amount. You might need to adjust the water slightly. Keep an eye on the dough's texture as you mix. If the dough doesn’t rise, check the yeast. It may not be active. Always use warm milk, not hot. Hot milk can kill the yeast. If you think your yeast is old, test it. Add a little yeast to warm water and sugar. If it bubbles in 5-10 minutes, it’s good. - Common issues and solutions: - Dough too cold: Find a warm spot for rising. - Dough too dry: Add a little warm milk to hydrate it. - Troubleshooting tips for yeast-based recipes: - Knead the dough well for elasticity. - Use a clean bowl and towel to cover the dough. - If problems persist, try a different yeast brand next time. In this guide, we explored how to make easy milk bread from scratch. We covered essential ingredients and tools you need, along with clear steps for mixing, kneading, and baking. I shared tips for perfecting your bread and talked about fun variations and storage options. My final thought is simple: enjoy the process of making bread. It’s satisfying and rewarding to create something delicious from just a few ingredients. Happy baking!$

Fluffy Happiness: Easy Milk Bread

A delightful and soft milk bread that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 2

Course Bread

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
0.25 cup granulated sugar
0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
as needed milk for brushing

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, stirring until dissolved. Sprinkle the instant yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center.
Pour the yeast mixture into the well and add the melted butter and egg. Mix until a dough begins to form.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf by flattening it out and rolling it tightly from one end.
Place the shaped loaf in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the dough with a little milk for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Slice the bread into even pieces and serve warm with a pat of butter or your favorite jam. You can also wrap it in a nice cloth for a rustic look when serving at the table.

Keyword bread, easy recipe, milk bread