Soft Vanilla Milk Bread

🥛 Soft Vanilla Milk Bread 🍞

Fluffy, buttery, and subtly sweet—this pillowy loaf is perfect for toast, sandwiches, or just eating by the slice!

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🍞 Yield: 1 loaf (9×5-inch)

⏳ Prep Time: 20 mins + 2 hrs rising | Bake Time: 25-30 mins

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✅ Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted + extra for brushing

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1 tsp salt

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or ½ vanilla bean paste for extra flavor)

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📝 Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

• In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5-10 mins until frothy.

2. Make the Dough:

• Whisk in melted butter, egg, vanilla, and remaining sugar.

• Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

• Knead by hand (10 mins) or with a stand mixer (5 mins) until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise:

• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hrs until doubled.

4. Shape & Second Rise:

• Punch down dough, then roll into a rectangle. Tightly roll up (like a jelly roll) and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

• Cover and rise again for 45-60 mins until domed.

5. Bake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Optional: Brush top with melted butter or egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water).

• Bake for 25-30 mins until golden and internal temp reaches 190°F (88°C).

6. Cool & Serve:

• Let cool in pan for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack.

• Brush with more butter for a soft crust. Slice once fully cooled!

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💡 Pro Tips:

• Extra fluffy? Replace ½ cup milk with ½ cup warm heavy cream.

• No stand mixer? Use the stretch-and-fold method during kneading.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight bag for 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Bread:

✔️ Cloud-like texture with a delicate vanilla aroma
✔️ Perfect for French toast or jam sandwiches
✔️ Kids adore it—great for lunchboxes!

Pair with honey butter or use for milky bread toast (a Korean café favorite!). 🍯✨

Want a chocolate swirl or cinnamon sugar variation? Let me know! 😊