The Ultimate Homemade Milk Bread Recipe: Soft, Fluffy, and Perfect Every Time

Detailed Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

1. Heat milk to 110°F (45°C) – it should feel warm but not hot
2. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast
3. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until frothy and fragrant

Pro Tip: If your yeast doesn’t foam, it might be inactive. Start over with fresh yeast.

2. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt
2. Add softened butter, beaten egg, and activated yeast mixture
3. Mix until a shaggy dough forms

3. Knead the Dough

By Hand:

• Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes
• Dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky

Using Stand Mixer:

• Mix with dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes
• Dough should clear sides of bowl but stick slightly to bottom

Pro Tip: To test if dough is ready, use the window pane test – stretch a small piece until thin enough to see light through without tearing

4. First Rise

1. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl
2. Cover with damp cloth
3. Let rise in warm place (75-80°F) for 1-2 hours
4. Dough should double in size

5. Shape the Loaf

1. Punch down dough gently
2. On lightly floured surface, pat into 9×12 inch rectangle
3. Roll tightly from short end
4. Pinch seam to seal
5. Place in greased 9×5 inch loaf pan

6. Second Rise

1. Cover with damp cloth
2. Let rise 30-45 minutes
3. Dough should crown about 1 inch above pan rim

7. Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Optional: brush with egg wash
3. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown
4. Internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C)

8. Cool and Enjoy

1. Rest in pan 10 minutes
2. Remove from pan
3. Cool completely on wire rack before slicing

Storage Tips

• Room temperature: 3-4 days in sealed bag
• Freezer: Up to 3 months, wrapped well
• To refresh: Microwave 10 seconds or toast

Troubleshooting

• Bread too dense? Check yeast freshness and rising time
• Crust too dark? Cover with foil during baking
• Not rising well? Ensure warm, draft-free environment

Variations

• Add raisins and cinnamon for sweet bread
• Incorporate herbs for savory version
• Make dinner rolls instead of loaf
• Use tangzhong method for extra softness

Nutritional Information

(per slice, assuming 12 slices)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g

Enjoy your homemade milk bread! Tag us in your creations using #HomemadeMilkBread