Fluffy Milk Bread Loaf

 

Here’s a recipe for a fluffy milk bread loaf (also known as Japanese milk bread or Hokkaido milk bread). This bread is incredibly soft and slightly sweet, perfect for sandwiches or enjoying on its own.

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Ingredients:

For the Tangzhong (starter):

• 2 tablespoons (15 g) bread flour
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (375 g) bread flour
• 3 tablespoons (40 g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (or additional milk)
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter, softened

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Instructions:

1. Make the Tangzhong:

• In a small saucepan, whisk together the flour, water, and milk until smooth.
• Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a paste (it should have a pudding-like consistency).
• Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

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2. Make the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
• Add the cooled tangzhong, warm milk, cream, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes, until smooth.
• Add the softened butter and continue kneading for another 5-7 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but elastic.

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3. First Rise:

• Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
• Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

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4. Shape the Dough:

• Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal portions.
• Roll each portion into a rectangle, then roll it up tightly like a jelly roll.
• Place the rolls seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.

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5. Second Rise:

• Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for 45-60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size and puffs up over the edge of the pan.

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6. Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Brush the top of the dough with milk or an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) for a golden finish.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

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7. Cool and Serve:

• Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your fluffy milk bread loaf! It’s great for sandwiches, toast, or simply with butter and jam.