Super Soft & Fluffy Milk Bread

Ingredients

For the Starter (Tangzhong): 2 tbsp bread flour, 6 tbsp water (or milk).

For the Dough:

Bread Flour: 2.5 cups.

Sugar: 1/4 cup.

Instant Yeast: 2 tsp.

Salt: 1/2 tsp.

Milk: 1/2 cup (warm).

Egg: 1 large (room temperature).

Butter: 3 tbsp (unsalted, softened).

Instructions

1. Tangzhong: In a small pan, whisk 2 tbsp flour and 6 tbsp water. Heat over medium until it becomes a thick paste. Let it cool.

2. Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the cooled paste (Tangzhong), warm milk, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead: Add the softened butter and knead (by hand or mixer) for 10–12 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and passes the “windowpane test.”

4. First Rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour (until doubled).

5. Shape: Punch down the dough. Divide into 3 or 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a rectangle, fold the sides, and roll it up like a cylinder (as seen in the tray photo).

6. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased loaf pan. Let rise for another 45 minutes.

7. Bake: Brush the top with milk or egg wash. Bake at 175°C for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

8. The Test: Once cooled, press the top—it should bounce back perfectly!

Benefits

High Satiety: Because it’s denser in nutrients than regular white bread, a small slice keeps you full longer.

Calcium Source: The high milk content provides essential calcium for bone health.

Easy Digestion: The Tangzhong method (the cooked paste) pre-gelatinizes the starches, making the bread easier for the stomach to process.

Natural Preservation: This method also keeps the bread soft for days without adding chemical preservatives.

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