Soft & Buttery Milk Bread: Easy Japanese Milk Bread Recipe

Soft & Buttery Milk Bread is a slice of heaven that melts effortlessly in your mouth. This Japanese delight captures the essence of fluffy perfection, boasting a texture so light, it feels like you’re biting into a cloud made of butter and love. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is intoxicating, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame.

Remember the first time you tasted that perfectly pillowy bread, perhaps at a cozy café or from your grandmother’s kitchen? Each bite of Soft & Buttery Milk Bread evokes nostalgia, making it an ideal companion for family gatherings, lazy Sunday mornings, or any occasion that calls for a touch of warmth. Trust me, your taste buds are about to embark on a joyous adventure!

Ingredients for Soft & Buttery Milk Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Soft & Buttery Milk Bread:

4¾ cups bread flour – Ideal for structure and chewiness, but you can substitute with all-purpose flour if needed.

1¾ cups milk – Full-fat milk adds creaminess, but any milk will work for this recipe.

2¼ Tablespoons sugar – This sweetener boosts flavor and nourishes the yeast for optimal rising.

1⅔ Tablespoons butter – Use unsalted butter for a rich, buttery flavor.

2 teaspoons sea salt – Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.

3⅓ teaspoons active dry yeast – Essential for that lovely rise and light texture.

2¼ teaspoons dough enhancer (optional) – Improves texture and shelf life if you want your bread to last longer.

How to Make Soft & Buttery Milk Bread

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Soft & Buttery Milk Bread:

Step 1: Mix the Dough
Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. Add all the ingredients except the butter and mix on low until there’s no dry flour left. The moment of magic happens when you add the butter. Increase the speed to high and watch the dough transform into a smooth, glossy ball. Don’t forget to perform the windowpane test – stretch a piece of dough to see if it’s translucent. If it’s not, keep kneading, my friend!

Step 2: First Proofing
Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a proofing container coated with oil. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it luxuriate in a warm, humid environment for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. If your kitchen feels more Arctic than tropical, consider placing the dough in an oven with the light on to create that cozy atmosphere.

Step 3: Divide and Rest
Once the dough has poofed up beautifully, transfer it to a well-floured surface. Divide the dough into six even pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and loosely cover them with a towel to let them rest for 15 minutes. This little break is crucial for the dough to relax before shaping.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Roll each rested ball into an oval shape. Flip it to face the smooth side down, and perform a ‘letter fold’—fold like you’re making an elegant message for your best friend! Then roll it up tightly to form a spiral and pinch the seam closed like a secret you don’t want anyone to discover. Place three of these lovely spirals into each 1 lb loaf pan, ensuring they are cozy together.

Step 5: Second Proofing
Let your dough items proof again in a warm, humid place until they double in size or rise about 1 cm below the rim of the loaf pan. What’s that? You forgot to preheat the oven? Do that now to 356°F (180°C) so it’s ready for you!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dough into the preheated oven and bake it at 356°F for about 25 minutes or until the crust turns a glorious golden brown. For that extra shine, brush the crust with an egg wash as soon as you remove it from the oven. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery on a Sunday morning, and your taste buds are going to thank you.

Enjoy your Soft & Buttery Milk Bread warm with a spread of butter, or go wild by making delicious sandwiches! Each slice is an invitation to savor the moment, whether you keep it simple or if you dress it up fancy. Happy baking!

Perfecting Soft & Buttery Milk Bread Cooking Process

To achieve a flawless Soft & Buttery Milk Bread, follow this efficient cooking sequence: Start by mixing the dry ingredients and yeast, add the milk gradually, then incorporate the butter. Allow the dough to proof in a warm, humid environment to ensure it rises beautifully.

Add Your Touch to Soft & Buttery Milk Bread

Feel free to get creative with your Soft & Buttery Milk Bread by incorporating different add-ins like chocolate chips, herbs, or even finely grated cheese. For a sweeter twist, consider swirling in your favorite jam before rolling the dough.

Storing & Reheating Soft & Buttery Milk Bread

Store your Soft & Buttery Milk Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze it for longer preservation. Reheat slices in the oven for the best texture, or pop them in a toaster for a quick treat.

Cooking Soft & Buttery Milk Bread reminds me of that first family gathering where I introduced my friends to homemade bread. Their wide eyes and the subsequent “wow” made all the dough-kneading worth it.

FAQs About Soft & Buttery Milk Bread

What is Soft & Buttery Milk Bread?

Soft & Buttery Milk Bread is a Japanese-inspired loaf known for its incredibly soft texture and rich buttery flavor. This delightful bread combines the lightness of milk with a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for toast or sandwiches. The unique preparation method includes a special dough-mixing technique that creates a tender crumb. With its glossy crust and fluffy interior, this bread can quickly become a favorite on your dining table. Anyone who tries it will agree: there’s nothing quite like the magic of Soft & Buttery Milk Bread fresh out of the oven.

How can I add flavor to Soft & Buttery Milk Bread?

You can easily enhance the flavor of Soft & Buttery Milk Bread by incorporating ingredients like herbs, cheese, or even sweets such as chocolate or dried fruits. For a savory twist, try mixing in fresh rosemary or garlic powder. If you’re feeling adventurous, swirl in your favorite jam or spread before you roll the dough into its final shape. Think of it as a canvas on which you can experiment with flavors—each loaf you bake can be a different masterpiece.

What can I serve with Soft & Buttery Milk Bread?

Soft & Buttery Milk Bread pairs wonderfully with a wide range of toppings and dishes. For a hearty breakfast, try it with butter and jam or honey. It also shines as the base for delicious sandwiches, whether filled with ham and cheese or a veggie spread for a lighter option. Don’t forget about using slices for decadent French toast or bread pudding. The versatility of this bread makes it an excellent companion for both breakfast and dinner, pleasing everyone at your table.

How do you store Soft & Buttery Milk Bread?

To keep your Soft & Buttery Milk Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature or heat slices in the oven for that fresh-baked taste. This method ensures that the bread retains its incredible softness and flavor.

Conclusion for Soft & Buttery Milk Bread

Soft & Buttery Milk Bread is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a tender texture and rich flavor that’s hard to resist. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can create a loaf that impresses everyone around the table. From breakfast to dinner, this versatile bread shines in countless dishes, making it a staple in homemade cooking. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with your favorite spreads, Soft & Buttery Milk Bread is sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.

Soft & Buttery Milk Bread

Enjoy this Soft & Buttery Milk Bread, a delightful Japanese-inspired loaf that's perfectly fluffy and rich.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine: Japanese

Calories: 222

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 4¾ cups bread flour
• 1¾ cups milk
• 2¼ Tablespoons sugar
• 1⅔ Tablespoons butter softened
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 3⅓ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2¼ teaspoons dough enhancer optional

Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Loaf pans
• Proofing container
• dough hook

Method

 

1. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. Add all the ingredients except the butter. Mix on low until there's no more dry flour. Then add the butter and beat on high speed until the dough forms into a ball and the surface is smooth and glossy. Check for proper gluten development using the window pane test.
2. Form the dough into a smooth round ball and place it in a proofing container coated with oil. Proof until doubled in size in a warm, humid environment.
3. On a well-floured surface, divide the dough into 6 even pieces and roll each into a ball. Loosely cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
4. Roll each ball into an oval shape. Flip it over so the surface is on the bottom and do a letter fold (2 folds). Then roll it up to form a spiral and pinch the seam closed. Place three spirals in each 1 lb loaf pan.
5. Proof in a warm humid place until doubled in size or about 1 cm below the rim of the loaf pan. Preheat your oven to 356° F.
6. Bake at 356° F for 25 minutes or until golden brown crust. For a shiny crust, brush an egg wash on the crust immediately after removing from the oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 222kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 8gFat: 3gSodium: 419mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g

Notes

Feel free to customize the bread with your favorite add-ins such as chocolate chips or herbs. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer preservation.

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