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To make easy milk bread, gather these ingredients: - 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 - 1 tablespoon instant yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 large egg - Extra milk for brushing Measuring ingredients correctly is key for great bread. Here are some tips: - Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. - Spoon flour into the cup, then level it off with a knife. - For liquids, use a clear measuring cup with a spout. - Check the temperature of the milk. It should feel warm, not hot. Having the right tools makes the process easier. You will need: - Mixing bowls (one large and one small) - A whisk for mixing dry ingredients - A spatula or wooden spoon for dough - A clean surface for kneading - A loaf pan (9x5 inches) - A kitchen towel to cover the dough - An oven to bake the bread - A wire rack to cool the bread after baking {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by warming the milk. It should be about 110°F (45°C). Pour the warm milk into a bowl. Add the granulated sugar and stir until it dissolves. Sprinkle the instant yeast on top. Let this sit for about five minutes. You want it to get frothy and bubbly. This shows the yeast is active. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Use a whisk for even mixing. Make a well in the center of your dry mix. Pour in the bubbly yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Stir these together with a spatula or spoon. Keep mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Remove the dough from the bowl and place it on a floured surface. Knead it for about ten minutes. Push and fold the dough, adding more flour if it sticks. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. This step is key for fluffy bread. Grease a bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place your kneaded dough inside. Cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour. The dough should double in size. This rise helps create the soft texture. After the first rise, gently punch the dough down. This releases trapped air. Flatten it into a rectangle. Roll it tightly from one end to form a loaf shape. Place the seam-side down in a greased loaf pan. Cover the loaf again and let it rise for 30-45 minutes. It should puff up again. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush the top with extra milk. This gives a nice golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The bread should sound hollow when tapped. Once baked, cool it in the pan for ten minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. To make your milk bread super fluffy, follow a few key steps. Use warm milk around 110°F (45°C) to activate the yeast. This warmth helps the yeast grow. Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. A cozy oven or a sunny window works well. Also, don’t skip the kneading. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic. This builds the structure needed for fluffiness. Many new bakers make a few common mistakes. First, don’t use cold milk. Cold milk can slow down the yeast. Second, measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make the bread dense. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Lastly, avoid over-kneading. If you knead too much, the bread can become tough. Kneading dough is fun and simple. Start with a lightly floured surface. Place your dough on it and fold it in half. Push it down and away with the heel of your hand. Turn it a quarter turn and repeat. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and springs back when pressed. If it sticks, add a little more flour, but not too much. You want a soft dough that still holds its shape. Pro Tips Check Your Yeast: Always ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn’t froth up in warm milk, it may be expired, and your bread won’t rise properly. Knead Properly: Kneading develops gluten, which gives bread its structure. Make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the best texture. Temperature Matters: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in an oven with just the light on to create a warm environment. Cool Before Slicing: Allow your bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its fluffy texture. Slicing too soon can result in a gummy crumb. {{image_4}} You can easily add flavors to your milk bread. Here are some ideas: - Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 1 cup of raisins to the dough. - Herb Infusion: Mix in 2 tablespoons of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. - Garlic Bread: Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the melted butter before mixing. These flavors can make your bread stand out at any meal. Adding extras can make your milk bread even better. Here are some fun options: - Nuts and Seeds: Try 1/2 cup of walnuts or sunflower seeds for crunch. - Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella. - Fruits: Fold in 1 cup of chopped apples or berries for a sweet twist. Top your baked bread with a sprinkle of sea salt or sesame seeds for a nice finish. If you need a gluten-free milk bread, it's possible. Use gluten-free flour blends instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the best texture. Follow the same steps in the recipe. Your bread may not rise as much, but it will still taste great. Enjoy making this version with your favorite gluten-free products! After you bake your easy milk bread, let it cool completely. Place it in a plastic bag or wrap it in foil. This keeps the bread soft and fresh. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing. To freeze your leftover milk bread, slice it first. This makes it easy to grab a piece later. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out all the air and seal it tightly. You can freeze the bread for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy your frozen milk bread, take out only what you need. You can reheat it in a toaster or oven. For the toaster, set it to medium. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This will bring back the soft, fluffy texture. If you want a golden crust, brush a little milk on top before reheating. Enjoy your warm milk bread! This milk bread is easy because it uses simple ingredients. You mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar to start. Then, you add flour, salt, butter, and an egg. The dough comes together quickly, and you only need to knead it for about 10 minutes. This bread does not need complicated techniques. Just follow the steps, and you will have fluffy bread. Yes, you can use any type of milk. Whole milk gives a rich taste. Almond milk or oat milk works too. Just make sure the milk is warm, about 110°F or 45°C. This warmth helps the yeast activate. The milk you choose can slightly change the flavor, but it will still be tasty. The dough has risen enough when it doubles in size. You can check this after about one hour. Gently press your finger into the dough. If it holds the shape and does not spring back, it is ready. This means the air bubbles formed inside are good. Punching it down helps release some of those bubbles. The best temperature for rising dough is warm, around 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C). You can place the bowl near a warm oven or in a sunny spot. If it is too cold, the dough will rise slowly. If it is too hot, the yeast may die. Find a nice, cozy spot for your dough. Homemade milk bread lasts about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Store it in a bread bag or wrapped in a kitchen cloth. If you want it to last longer, freeze it. It can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. Now you have the tools to make delicious milk bread at home. From the right ingredients to the best techniques, each step brings you closer to success. Remember to measure accurately and knead well for that fluffy texture. Don't shy away from trying different flavors and storage methods. With practice, you can avoid common mistakes and create perfect loaves every time. Enjoy baking and sharing your milk bread!

Fluffy Happiness: Easy Milk Bread

A delightful and fluffy milk bread that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • as needed milk for brushing

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, pour in the warm milk and add the granulated sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Then, sprinkle the instant yeast on top and allow it to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
  • In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt using a whisk to ensure an even distribution. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
  • Pour the bubbly yeast mixture into the well, followed by the melted butter and the beaten egg. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough begins to form.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until it becomes smooth and elastic to the touch.
  • Grease a bowl with a small amount of oil or cooking spray, then place the kneaded dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any trapped air. Flatten the dough into a rectangle and carefully roll it up tightly from one end to form a loaf shape.
  • Place your shaped loaf seam-side down in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the top of the dough has visibly puffed up.
  • Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Just before baking, brush the top of the loaf with a bit of extra milk to encourage a lovely golden crust.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is beautifully golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Once it's done, carefully remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Slice the bread into even pieces and serve warm with a generous pat of butter or your favorite jam. For a charming rustic display, wrap the bread in a lovely kitchen cloth when serving at the table.
Keyword easy bread, fluffy bread, milk bread