Best Easy Milk Bread Loaf Recipe

Pillowy milk bread loaf with a tender, cottony crumb is perfect for sandwiches and toast. A family-friendly, fresh bakery staple with sweet, milky flavor.

Cook 170 min Difficulty NORMAL 160 kcal
#vegetarian #family baking #toast ideas #homemade bread
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bread flour 3 cups
  • whole milk 1 cup
  • unsalted butter 4 tbsp
  • large egg 1 pieces
  • instant yeast 2 tsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • sugar 3 tbsp
  • salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 27 g 67%
Protein 5 g 13%
Fat 3 g 20%
Serving size 60g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Warm the milk gently until just lukewarm (do not let it get hot); add sugar and yeast, whisk briefly, and let stand for 5 minutes until slightly frothy.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine bread flour and salt. In a second bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the milk mixture, beaten egg, and softened butter to the dry ingredients.

  3. 3

    Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft and barely tacky.

  4. 4

    Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.

  5. 5

    Punch down the dough, divide into three equal pieces, shape each into a ball, then roll into ovals. Place side by side in a buttered loaf pan. Cover and let rise again until nearly doubled, 45–60 minutes.

  6. 6

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 28–32 minutes until the top is a deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

  7. 7

    Remove from oven, immediately brush the top with extra butter for shine and softness, then cool at least 30 minutes before slicing for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient that gives milk bread its unique texture?
Bread flour is the foundational ingredient that provides milk bread's characteristic springy but tender crumb. Its high protein content creates the dough structure needed for that signature pillowy softness in the finished loaf.
Q. Which step is most critical for achieving a light, cottony loaf?
Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic is vital. This develops gluten, trapping air and yielding a light, tender result. Undermixing will result in a dense loaf, while proper kneading gives you the signature milk bread structure.
Q. How can I prevent the bread from drying out or losing its soft texture?
Be sure not to overbake—remove the loaf as soon as it turns deep golden and sounds hollow. Immediately brushing the top with butter after baking helps lock in moisture, preserving the signature softness.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 kcal and 5g protein. Carbohydrates make up 67% of the calories, with protein at 13% and fat at 20% per serving.
Q. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this milk bread loaf is vegetarian, using only dairy, eggs, and plant-based ingredients. There are no meat or seafood products included.
AI 채팅 아이콘