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Soft Milk Bread (Japanese-style) Recipe

Soft Milk Bread (Japanese-style) Recipe
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4.8 from 31 reviews

Learn how to make Soft Milk Bread, a Japanese-style bread that is super soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet. This recipe yields a loaf that is perfect for sandwiches or enjoying on its own.

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 2 ¾ cups bread flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Optional (for extra softness):

  • 2 tbsp milk powder

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Mix warm milk with yeast and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and milk powder (if using). Add yeast mixture, egg, and butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead: Knead on a floured surface (or mixer with dough hook) for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1–1.5 hours).
  5. Shape: Punch down, divide into 3–4 equal pieces, roll each into a ball, and place side by side in a greased loaf pan.
  6. Second Rise: Cover and let rise again until dough reaches the top of the pan (45–60 minutes).
  7. Bake: Brush with milk or egg wash for shine. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Cool & Enjoy: Cool slightly before slicing and enjoying the soft, fluffy bread.

Notes

  • You can customize by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the dough.
  • For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of low-fat milk.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/soft-milk-bread-japanese-style-recipe/