Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for making a soft and fluffy loaf of bread, perfect for any occasion. 😊

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
• 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Gradually add the warm milk and knead until the dough starts to come together.
3. Add the softened butter and continue kneading for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. (You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)

Step 2: First Rise

1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
2. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shaping the Dough

1. Gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles.
2. Roll it out into a rectangular shape, then roll it tightly like a jelly roll to form a loaf.
3. Place the dough seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until it’s slightly above the edge of the pan.

Step 5: Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brush the top of the dough with milk or an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) for a glossy finish.
3. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 6: Cooling

1. Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.
2. Slice and enjoy!