Fluffy homemade milk bread

Featured in Fresh bread hot from the oven.

A recipe for soft and golden homemade milk bread. With two rising stages, patience is key, but the result is totally worth it.

Maria from tastyhush
Last updated Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:42:56 GMT
Golden and fluffy brioche-style rolls beautifully arranged on a platter. Save Recipe
Golden and fluffy brioche-style rolls beautifully arranged on a platter. | Tastyhush.com

The aroma of freshly baked milk bread brings back treasured memories from my grandmother's kitchen. This cherished family recipe produces pillowy-soft rolls with a rich, buttery texture that has been perfected over generations. Today, I continue this comforting tradition with my own carefully crafted version.

The Secret to Irresistibly Soft Rolls

These versatile milk bread rolls are a Sunday baking staple in my kitchen. Their cloud-like texture and delicate flavor make them a family favorite. Made without preservatives, they maintain their natural freshness and freeze beautifully for spontaneous meals throughout the week.

Quality Ingredients for Perfect Results

  • 500g bread flour: Type 45 for optimal lightness
  • 10g active dry yeast: Provides consistent rising
  • 250ml milk: Slightly warmed to activate yeast
  • 50g sugar: For gentle sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors perfectly
  • 75g unsalted butter: Room temperature
  • 1 whole egg: Enriches the dough
  • 1 egg yolk: Creates golden crust

Essential Steps for Success

Activate the Yeast
Combine warm milk with yeast and a pinch of sugar to ensure proper fermentation.
Form the Dough
Mix ingredients gradually, incorporating butter until silky smooth.
First Rise
Let dough rest in a warm spot for 90 minutes until doubled.
Shape with Care
Divide into 10 equal portions and shape into rolls.
Final Proof
Allow rolls to rise 30 minutes more.
Bake to Perfection
Brush with egg wash and bake at 180°C for 15 minutes until golden.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are a café favorite, delighting customers whether served with homemade jam for breakfast or filled with ham and cheese for lunch. They pair wonderfully with coffee or aromatic tea for an elevated break time treat.

A delicious golden-brown milk bread roll with a soft, fluffy texture displayed on a serving plate. Save Recipe
A delicious golden-brown milk bread roll with a soft, fluffy texture displayed on a serving plate. | Tastyhush.com

Storage Tips for Lasting Freshness

Store rolls in an airtight metal container for up to three days of freshness. For longer storage, freeze in portions. A quick reheat in the oven restores their original softness, ensuring fresh-baked quality whenever needed.

Recipe Tips

→ Can I use plant-based milk?

Absolutely, almond or soy milk will work fine. The texture might be slightly different, but it’ll still turn out great. Just remember to warm it up too.

→ How can I tell if the dough has risen enough?

The dough needs to double in size during the first rise. Check by gently pressing a finger into it; if the impression stays without springing back, it’s ready.

→ Can I freeze the milk bread rolls?

Yes, they freeze perfectly after baking and cooling. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven for 5 minutes to enjoy their softness again.

→ What’s the difference between T45 and T55 flour?

T45 is finer and results in whiter, softer bread. T55 is more common and works great too. Both will give you an excellent outcome.

→ How long will they stay fresh?

Keep them in an airtight container for 2-3 days. To freshen them up, warm them in the oven for a few minutes. In the freezer, they’ll last up to 2 months.

Soft milk bread

Golden, fluffy milk bread rolls made with ease. A timeless recipe great for breakfast or snack time.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cooking Time
140 Minutes
Total Time
170 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Breads

Skill Level: Medium

Style: French

Makes: 10 Serves (10 rolls)

Diet Type: Veggie

Ingredients

01 500 grams of flour (type T45 or T55).
02 10 grams of dry baker's yeast (or use 20 grams fresh).
03 1 cup (250 ml) of warm milk.
04 3 ½ tablespoons (50 g) of sugar.
05 1 teaspoon of salt.
06 Room-temperature unsalted butter, 75 grams.
07 1 egg for the dough.
08 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon milk for brushing.

Let's Cook

Step 01

Combine the yeast with just a splash of warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbles pop up.

Step 02

In a big mixing bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and sugar. Toss in the egg, the activated yeast mixture, and the rest of the warm milk. Stir thoroughly. Add in the butter in small chunks, then knead the dough for 10 minutes till it feels nice and flexible.

Step 03

Shape the dough into a ball, cover it, and let it rest for 1 hour 30 minutes or so. It should double in size.

Step 04

Punch down the dough gently, then split it into 10 pieces. Shape each one into a ball or log. Lay them out on a baking sheet that's been lined with parchment paper. Cover again and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes.

Step 05

Set the oven to 180°C to preheat. Brush the dough with the yolk-and-milk mix. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or till they're golden brown.

Tips

  1. You'll need to let the dough rise twice.
  2. Freezes perfectly for later.

What You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Baking tray.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Notes

Check ingredients for allergens and talk to your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains gluten (from flour).
  • Eggs are used.
  • Dairy ingredients (milk, butter).

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are estimates and should not replace professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbs: 35 g
  • Protein: 6 g