Homemade Milk Bread Recipe

Milk bread, a delightful creation enriched with milk, butter, and sugar, promises a tender crumb and a subtly sweet flavor. Crafting this heavenly treat at home is simpler than you might think. Follow our step-by-step guide for a delightful baking experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Activating the Yeast: Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, blend the lukewarm milk with one tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the milk mixture, allowing it to rest for approximately 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.

Preparing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, combine the bread flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Incorporate the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough either by hand on a lightly floured surface or with a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook attachment. Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

First Rise: Grease a bowl and place the dough inside, ensuring it’s coated with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, allowing the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Shaping the Dough: After the dough has doubled in size, gently deflate it by punching it down. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each portion as desired, whether it be rolls or loaves.

Second Rise: Arrange the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in greased loaf pans. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

Preheating the Oven: As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Applying the Egg Wash: Prior to baking, brush the tops of the risen dough with beaten egg, imparting a luscious shine to the crust.

Baking: Place the milk bread in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes for rolls or 30-35 minutes for loaves until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. A hollow sound upon tapping the bottom of the bread indicates readiness.

Cooling and Serving: Once baked, transfer the milk bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Indulge in the soft and fluffy goodness either on its own, with a spread of butter, or as the foundation for a delectable sandwich.