Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread

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Few things rival the comfort of a slice of soft and fluffy milk bread. With its pillowy texture and slightly sweet flavor, this Japanese-style bread (also known as Hokkaido milk bread) makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re enjoying it plain, toasted with a pat of butter, or layered into a decadent sandwich, it’s a staple worth mastering in your kitchen.

What makes milk bread truly special is its unique tangzhong method—a simple roux of flour and milk that creates a tender, feathery crumb. Unlike ordinary sandwich bread, this loaf holds moisture like a dream, staying fresh and soft for days. Trust us, once you’ve baked it yourself, store-bought will never compare.

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What Kind of Flour Should I Use for Milk Bread?

For the best results, use bread flour. Its higher protein content (compared to all-purpose flour) gives this milk bread structure while still yielding a soft, cloud-like texture. All-purpose can work in a pinch, but bread flour guarantees that chewy pull and lofty rise.

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Ingredients for the Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread

• Bread Flour: This high-protein flour gives the bread its signature chewy bite and supports a beautiful rise.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and enhances the softness of the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: For flavor and extra tenderness.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it a lovely airy structure.
• Sugar: A bit of sweetness brings balance to the flavor and feeds the yeast.
• Salt: Essential to round out the flavor.
• Egg: Adds richness and gives the loaf a golden hue.
• Tangzhong: A cooked flour-and-milk paste that locks in moisture and creates the ultra-soft crumb.

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How To Make the Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong

In a small saucepan, whisk together 3 tablespoons of bread flour and ¼ cup of whole milk over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a paste. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Warm ½ cup of milk until it’s lukewarm (not hot), then stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar and 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

In a stand mixer, combine 3 cups bread flour, the remaining sugar (2 tablespoons), 1 teaspoon salt, the cooled tangzhong, the yeast mixture, 1 beaten egg, and the remaining milk (about ¼ cup). Mix using a dough hook until a dough forms.

Step 4: Add Butter and Knead

Add 3 tablespoons of softened butter and continue kneading for 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 5: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm place, until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each piece into a rectangle, then roll into a log. Place the logs side by side in a buttered loaf pan.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the loaf pan and let it rise again for 45-60 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with a little egg wash. Bake for 28-32 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before slicing.

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How to Store and Serve Milk Bread

Serve slices warm with butter, toast it for breakfast, or use it as an ultra-soft sandwich base. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze the loaf, wrapped tightly, for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature and toast to revive.

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What to Serve With Milk Bread?

Creamy Cheeseburger Soup

A hearty, cheesy soup pairs beautifully with a soft slice of milk bread. Try it with this Cheeseburger Soup.

Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

Looking for a sweet pairing? Serve this bread with a slice of Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie for dessert.

Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken

Use milk bread for next-level chicken sandwiches with Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken.

Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs

Hosting a brunch or tea? Offer dainty slices with Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs.

Parmesan Baked Potatoes

Pair it as a side with crispy Parmesan Baked Potatoes.

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Want More Bread Ideas?

If this soft and fluffy milk bread won your heart, you’ll definitely enjoy these other bakery-style favorites:

• Apple Fritter Bread Recipe for a sweet, cinnamon swirl twist.
• Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze if you like fruity and festive flavors.
• Hawaiian Banana Bread for a tropical-inspired morning treat.
• Light Fluffy Sourdough Focaccia when you’re craving savory and airy.
• Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes if you’re pairing your loaf with a fall-inspired dinner.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this fluffy beauty to your favorite Pinterest board so you’re never without the recipe when that carb craving strikes.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a cheesy swirl? Drop your variations or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. You never know what you’ll bake next!

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