Description
This Fluffy Butter Bread recipe yields a soft, tender loaf enriched with butter and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying plain, this homemade bread is easy to make with simple ingredients and classic baking techniques to produce a delightfully airy texture and golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the egg, softened butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough begins to form. Gradually add the remaining flour a little at a time until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Butter Finish: Brush the top of the hot bread with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven. Let cool slightly before slicing to enjoy soft, moist slices.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- This bread is perfect for making French toast the next day.
