Soft Homemade Bread Dough: Fluffy as a Cloud! 🍞
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. This Soft Homemade Bread Dough recipe is your ticket to creating the fluffiest, most pillowy loaves you’ve ever tasted. Whether you’re making sandwich bread, dinner rolls, or a braided loaf, this versatile dough is easy to work with and yields bakery-quality results. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
(Makes 2 loaves or 12-16 rolls)
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy. - Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms. - Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for 5-7 minutes on medium speed. - First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. - Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions for loaves or 12-16 smaller pieces for rolls. Shape into loaves or rolls and place them in greased loaf pans or on a baking sheet. - Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy. - Preheat and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes or the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). - Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Soft Bread
- Use a kitchen scale to measure your flour for the most accurate results.
- If your kitchen is cool, let the dough rise in a slightly warmed oven (turn it on for 1 minute, then turn it off).
- For a shiny crust, brush the tops of the loaves or rolls with melted butter or an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) before baking.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
This Soft Homemade Bread Dough is the foundation for countless delicious creations. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying a slice with butter, this fluffy, cloud-like bread will bring joy to every bite. Happy baking! 🍞✨