Rich egg yolk bread from Oaxaca is an essential Day of the Dead offering. This family tradition is a dense, buttery bread that honors departed loved ones with every slice.
Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it reaches 105–110°F; do not let it boil.
Combine the warmed milk and yeast in a large bowl, stir, and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Add sugar, butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture; mix until well blended.
Gradually add the flour, mixing and kneading until you get a smooth, elastic dough (about 10 minutes).
Cover the bowl tightly and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled, 1.5–2 hours.
Punch the dough down, shape into a loaf or rounds, and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Let the shaped dough rise for another hour; optionally brush with extra egg yolk for a glossy finish.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.