Buttery Soft Toast Bread Recipe

🧂 Ingredients:

• 350g all-purpose flour

• 200ml lukewarm water

• 8g active dry yeast (or instant yeast)

• 20g sugar

• 5g salt

• 20g powdered milk (baker’s grade)

• 1 egg (use egg white for the dough, yolk for brushing)

• 30g unsalted butter (room temperature)

🥣 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients except salt.

• Add the egg white and a small amount of lukewarm water, mixing gently.

• Add the salt, then gradually add the remaining water until a slightly sticky dough comes together.

• Begin kneading, and once the dough starts to form, add the room-temperature butter and continue kneading.

• Knead for 10–15 minutes, by hand or using a stand mixer, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should pass the windowpane test (stretch without tearing).

2. First Rise:

• Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, coating the top with oil to prevent drying.

• Cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled insize.

3. Shaping the Dough:

• Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air.

• Divide the dough into four equal parts.

• Shape each part into a ball, then roll into a log shape.

• Place the logs side by side in a greased loaf pan (or line with parchment paper).

4. Second Rise:

• Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again in a warm place until it reaches the rim of the pan. This rise may take longer, so be patient.

5. Egg Wash & Topping (Optional):

• Mix the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk and brush the mixture over the top of the dough.

• Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds for added flavor and texture.

6. Bake:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

• Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

7. Cool & Serve:

• Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.

• Slice and enjoy warm with butter, jam, or honey!