Milk Bread: A Soft, Fluffy Delight

There’s something truly comforting about a loaf of milk bread. With its incredibly soft, pillowy texture and slightly sweet flavor, it’s no wonder that this humble loaf has become a staple in homes all around the world. Whether it’s used for sandwiches, toasted with butter, or served alongside a hearty soup, milk bread’s rich, tender crumb makes it a versatile and beloved choice.

Milk bread, also known as Hokkaido milk bread or Japanese milk bread, has its origins in Japan but has quickly gained popularity worldwide due to its remarkable texture and flavor. It’s made using a method called the tangzhong, which involves cooking a portion of the flour and liquid to create a smooth paste before incorporating it into the dough. This method is key to the bread’s moisture, softness, and ability to stay fresh longer.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make your own delicious milk bread at home. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a loaf of bread that’s soft, sweet, and perfect for just about any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Milk Bread

• Incredibly Soft Texture: The main reason people love milk bread is its soft, pillowy texture. The dough is slightly enriched with milk and butter, which helps create a loaf that is lighter than most regular breads.
• Subtle Sweetness: While it’s not a sweet bread like a dessert loaf, the slight sweetness of milk bread makes it perfect for pairing with both savory and sweet toppings, from a slice of cheese to a smear of jam.
• Moist and Fresh for Days: Thanks to the tangzhong method, milk bread stays moist and fresh for longer than typical bread, making it a great choice for meal prepping or enjoying over several days.
• Versatile: It can be sliced thin for sandwiches, used for toast, or served as a side to soups, stews, and curries. It’s also perfect for bread-based puddings or French toast.

Ingredients for Milk Bread

To make this deliciously soft milk bread, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar (you can adjust the sweetness based on preference)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (6g) active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt
• 1/4 cup (60g) whole milk (warmed)
• 1/4 cup (60g) water (lukewarm)
• 1/4 cup (60g) heavy cream (or full-fat milk)
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

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