Cloud Soft Bread Loaf That Stays Pillowy and Fresh
An ultra-fluffy, cloud-soft everyday bread that’s perfect for toast, sandwiches, or dinner rolls. Easy to make with a soft crumb and lightly sweet flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Ingredients
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk, warm
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 egg (optional)
Instructions
-
Combine warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit until foamy.
-
In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
-
Add yeast mixture, butter, and egg. Mix to form a dough.
-
Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer.
-
Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1–1½ hours).
-
Punch down and shape into a loaf. Place in a greased 9×5 loaf pan.
-
Let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffed.
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
-
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
-
Slice when completely cooled.
Notes
Replace up to 1 cup of flour with whole wheat if desired. Milk can be dairy or non-dairy. Omit egg for a leaner loaf.