Ultimate Soft Vanilla Milk Bread – The Fluffiest Homemade Loaf You’ll Ever Bake! 🍞✨


 

1. Make the Dough

  1. In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.

  2. Add flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix with dough hook for 2 minutes on low.

  3. Increase to medium speed and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic (the dough should clean the bowl sides).

2. First Rise

  • Place dough in greased bowl, cover with damp towel

  • Let rise in warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled

3. Shape the Loaf

  1. Punch down dough and divide into 3 equal parts

  2. Roll each into oval shapes (about 8x5 inches)

  3. Roll up tightly from short end and place seam-side down in greased 9x5 loaf pan

  4. Repeat with remaining dough pieces

4. Final Rise

  • Cover and let rise 45-60 minutes until dough crowns 1" above pan

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)

  2. Brush with egg wash (for shiny crust)

  3. Bake 30-35 minutes until deep golden brown

  4. Internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C)

  5. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack

Pro Tips for Bakery-Worthy Results

🌟 Use bread flour for the softest, fluffiest texture
🌟 Don't skip the egg wash – it gives that beautiful glossy finish
🌟 Add vanilla bean seeds for gorgeous speckles and extra flavor
🌟 Try the "Tangzhong method" (heat 3 tbsp flour + 1/2 cup milk to 149°F/65°C then cool before adding) for even softer bread
🌟 Store properly – Keep in bread box for 3 days or freeze sliced for up to 2 months

Creative Variations to Try

🍫 Chocolate Swirl – Add cocoa powder to one portion of dough
🍞 Cinnamon Sugar – Roll with cinnamon-sugar filling
🍯 Honey Butter – Brush warm loaf with honey-butter mixture
🍓 Fruit & Cream – Add dried fruit and cream cheese filling

;