Easy and Spongy Milk Bread Recipe – Soft, Buttery, and Perfect Every Time
If there’s one bread that captures the essence of homemade comfort, it’s milk bread — soft, spongy, and irresistibly fluffy. This easy milk bread recipe is perfect for everything from sandwiches and French toast to simply enjoying warm with a pat of butter. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a bakery-quality loaf right in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe guarantees light, airy bread with that signature milky sweetness and soft crumb everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Milk Bread Recipe
- Incredibly soft and fluffy: Perfectly spongy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile: Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or even sweet rolls.
- Easy to make: Simple steps and pantry staples — no fancy tools needed.
- Customizable: Sweet, savory, cheesy, or fruity — endless variations.
- Homemade freshness: No preservatives, just pure wholesome goodness.
There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked milk bread filling your kitchen — warm, comforting, and utterly inviting.
Ingredients
To make this tender, airy loaf, gather the following:
- 4 cups bread flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 45°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Additional butter or oil (for greasing the pan)
💡 Tip: Bread flour gives the best elasticity and rise, but you can substitute with all-purpose flour in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and instant yeast.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy and slightly bubbly — a sign your yeast is active and ready to work.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together bread flour, sugar, and salt.
This ensures even distribution of ingredients for a consistent dough.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Create a small well in the center of your flour mixture. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and melted butter.
Mix using a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10–12 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium speed for 8–10 minutes.
✅ Test for readiness: The dough should stretch thinly without tearing — the “windowpane test.”
5. Let the Dough Rise
Grease a clean bowl with butter or oil, place your dough inside, and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
🍶 Tip: If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl in an oven with the light on to create a gentle warmth.
6. Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.
Divide it into equal portions (3–4 pieces). Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them side-by-side in a greased loaf pan, leaving a little space between each for expansion.
7. Proof the Dough
Cover again and let the dough proof for another 1–2 hours, or until it has doubled in size and looks puffy.
Proper proofing ensures a light, cloud-like texture after baking.
8. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 15 minutes before the dough finishes proofing.
9. Brush with Egg Wash
For a beautiful golden sheen, gently brush the top of the loaf with beaten egg.
You can also use milk or cream as an alternative for a softer, matte finish.
10. Bake the Bread
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
If it browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
11. Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Brush with a touch of melted butter for extra shine and softness.
Slice and enjoy warm — plain, toasted, or as part of your favorite sandwich.
Variations for Milk Bread
1. Sweet Milk Bread
Increase sugar to ½ cup for a lightly sweetened loaf — perfect for desserts or French toast.
2. Savory Milk Bread
Reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon and add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder for a savory twist.
3. Whole Wheat Milk Bread
Replace half (or all) of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, fiber-rich option.
4. Cheese-Stuffed Milk Bread
Before shaping, stuff each dough ball with shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey surprise.
5. Fruit-Infused Milk Bread
Mix in raisins, cranberries, or diced apricots for a naturally sweet loaf.
6. Nutty Milk Bread
Fold in chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for added crunch.
7. Matcha or Chocolate Milk Bread
Add 1–2 tablespoons of matcha powder or cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a colorful, flavorful twist.
Tips for Perfect Milk Bread
- Use a kitchen scale: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results.
- Check yeast activity: If your yeast doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, start over with a fresh batch.
- Warm milk only: Overheated milk can kill the yeast — aim for 110°F (45°C).
- Knead properly: Gluten development is key for softness.
- Proof patiently: Let the dough rise fully for maximum fluffiness.
- Don’t overbake: The crust should be golden, not dark brown.
- Test doneness: Bread’s internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).
How to Store Milk Bread
Room Temperature
- Store in an airtight container or bag for 2–3 days.
- Wrap in a clean towel to help retain moisture.
Avoid Refrigeration
- Refrigeration dries out the bread faster — only refrigerate if absolutely necessary.
Freezing
- Slice the bread, wrap in plastic wrap or foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.
Reviving Stale Bread
- Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore softness.
Serving Ideas
- For Breakfast: Toast with butter, jam, or honey.
- For Lunch: Use as the base for sandwiches or sliders.
- For Dinner: Serve alongside soups, stews, or curry.
- For Dessert: Make French toast, bread pudding, or sweet rolls.
Conclusion
Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, homemade milk bread is a joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. Its tender crumb and buttery flavor make it the perfect all-purpose bread — whether for sandwiches, toast, or simple snacking.
Once you bake this loaf, store-bought bread just won’t compare. So preheat your oven, roll up your sleeves, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked milk bread.