The Dough is Like a Cloud! This Milk Bread is Simple and Delicious
Ingredients
For this recipe, we provide measurements in both USA and European metrics to ensure accuracy and convenience.
For the Dough:
- All-Purpose Flour: 360g (3 cups)
- Milk: 200ml (1 cup), lukewarm
- Egg: 1 (50g)
- Sugar: 45g (3 tbsp)
- Yeast: 4g (1 tsp)
- Salt: 4g (⅔ tsp)
- Unsalted Butter: 45g (3 tbsp), softened
For the Surface:
- Egg: 1, beaten (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (360g), sugar (45g), yeast (4g), and salt (4g). Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure the yeast and salt are evenly distributed.
Warm the milk (200ml) until it is lukewarm. This can be done by microwaving for about 30-40 seconds or heating gently on the stove. The milk should be warm to the touch but not hot.
Add the lukewarm milk and the egg (50g) to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough begins to form. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, use it on low speed to combine the ingredients.
2. Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface or in the stand mixer for about 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
Incorporate the softened unsalted butter (45g) into the dough. Continue kneading until the butter is fully absorbed and the dough is smooth and glossy. This step might take an additional 5-10 minutes of kneading.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Bread
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a long rope, about 30 cm (12 inches) in length. If you prefer, you can roll the dough pieces into balls for a different shape.
Braid the ropes together to form a braided loaf. Alternatively, arrange the dough balls in a greased loaf pan for a pull-apart bread.
4. Second Rise
Place the braided loaf or arranged dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Brush the surface of the loaf with the beaten egg to give it a shiny and golden finish.
6. Bake the Bread
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This will prevent the bottom from becoming soggy and will maintain the bread’s fluffy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This milk bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It also makes excellent sandwiches or toast. For a sweet treat, spread with jam or Nutella.
Nutrition Information
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings. The following nutrition information is per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugars: 8g
Conclusion
This simple and delicious milk bread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its soft, cloud-like texture and rich flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for this homemade bread time and again. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this bread is a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread and delight in the praise from family and friends as they savor each bite.