Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread
Soft and fluffy milk bread is the kind of comfort food that transcends trends and time. With its pillowy texture and subtle sweetness, it makes the perfect base for both sweet and savory pairings. Whether you’re tearing off a warm piece straight from the oven or using it to sandwich your favorite fillings, this bread delivers pure satisfaction.
Made with a touch of milk and butter, the crumb is tender yet structured enough to hold together beautifully. What really makes this bread shine is its slightly chewy exterior with a golden sheen, all thanks to a simple egg wash and a slow rise that brings out deep flavor and incredible texture.
Why You’ll Love This Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread
If you’re after bread that’s as light as air with a barely-there sweetness, this one checks all the boxes. It’s the ideal companion for breakfasts, snack times, or late-night cravings. The dough is forgiving, which means even beginner bakers can get that satisfying bakery-level result. The versatility is unmatched too – it toasts beautifully, soaks up spreads without falling apart, and stays soft for days.
What Kind of Flour Should I Use?
Bread flour is your best bet for achieving the right level of chew and fluffiness. It has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps develop the gluten that gives milk bread its structure and elasticity. If you only have all-purpose flour on hand, it’ll still work, but expect a slightly denser loaf.
Ingredients for the Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread
This recipe comes together with a few humble pantry staples. Every ingredient plays a part in building that signature soft and airy texture.
- Bread flour: The high protein content helps create that stretchy, chewy crumb.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and enriches the dough with a slight sweetness.
- Sugar: Just enough to enhance flavor and aid in browning.
- Instant yeast: Gives the bread its lift and rise without needing proofing.
- Butter: Softens the dough and enriches it with a delicate buttery flavor.
- Egg: Adds richness and helps with the dough’s structure.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- Egg wash: Brushed on top for that beautiful, glossy finish.

How To Make the Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread
Step 1: Warm the Milk
Gently heat the milk until it’s lukewarm to the touch, then stir in the sugar and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it begins to foam slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Add in the yeast mixture, beaten egg, and softened butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into equal parts (typically 3 or 4), then roll each part into a log. Place the logs side-by-side in a greased loaf pan.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for another 30 to 45 minutes until it’s puffy and close to doubling.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the dough with an egg wash, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Step 7: Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storing and Serving Your Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread
This loaf is generous enough to serve about 6 to 8 people, depending on slice thickness. Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays soft at room temperature for up to three days, or you can freeze it for longer storage. Just toast or warm up the slices to revive that fresh-baked feel.
What to Serve With Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread?
Jam and Butter
Classic and simple, a swipe of butter and your favorite jam transforms this bread into a sweet treat.
Egg Salad or Tuna Salad
This bread holds fillings beautifully without becoming soggy, making it perfect for creamy sandwich spreads.
Toasted with Garlic Butter
For a savory snack, toast slices and brush with a mix of butter, garlic, and parsley.
French Toast
Its soft texture soaks up custard like a dream and delivers a rich, fluffy French toast.
Grilled Cheese
Pairs incredibly well with sharp cheeses and makes for a golden, gooey melt.
Soup Sidekick
Use it to dip into creamy tomato soup or hearty stews.
Nutella and Banana
A quick and indulgent snack, this combo hits the sweet tooth just right.
Want More Bread Ideas with a Soft Twist?
If you love this soft and fluffy milk bread, here are more comforting options to explore:
- Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling
- Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
- Cajun Potato Soup
- Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest baking board so you can come back to it any time.
I’d love to hear how your loaf turned out. Did you go classic or get creative with flavors? Leave your thoughts below and let’s chat all things bread.
Explore beautifully curated bakes and more on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite loaf or dessert.
Conclusion
Soft and fluffy milk bread is the kind of recipe that earns its place in your regular rotation. With its simple ingredients and rewarding results, it bridges comfort and elegance. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy morning, a family dinner, or just to fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma, this loaf always rises to the occasion.

Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread is the ultimate homemade loaf with a light, airy crumb and subtle sweetness. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or sweet spreads, this easy milk bread recipe uses bread flour, butter, and whole milk for that classic pillowy texture. Ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
240 ml whole milk
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 large egg
360 g bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
45 g unsalted butter, softened
1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
1. Warm the milk until lukewarm and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until slightly foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, beaten egg, and butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
5. Punch down the dough and divide into 3 or 4 pieces. Roll each into logs and place into a greased loaf pan.
6. Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top with egg wash.
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Keep milk warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Use bread flour for the fluffiest result.
You can freeze this bread after cooling for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg


