Homemade Soft Milk Bread

 Ingredients

• 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (slightly less than 1 cup + 1 tablespoon)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (half a stick or 4 tablespoons), softened
• About 2 tablespoons fresh yeast

Instructions

1. Warm the milk in a microwave-safe bowl until it is just lukewarm. Add the sugar and yeast and let stand for 10 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the milk-yeast mixture and eggs and stir until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll each half into a rectangle about 12 inches by 8 inches. Use a knife to make three diagonal cuts across the top of each rectangle.
5. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 25 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Beat an egg in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash over the top of the loaves.
7. Bake the loaves for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your homemade soft milk bread!