Japanese milk bread Hokkaido milk bread Recipe

Introduction

Japanese milk bread also known as Hokkaido milk bread is a soft and fluffy bread that feels like a warm hug in every bite. This recipe is about making a light sweet bread that is very tender and moist. It comes from Japan and is famous for its cloud like texture and gentle milky taste. Many people think this bread is hard to make but the truth is that anyone can do it at home with simple steps and patience. This recipe explains everything in very easy English so beginners can follow without fear. You do not need special tools or baking skills. You only need love for baking and a little time.

People all over the world love Japanese milk bread because it is very soft and stays fresh for many days. The secret of this bread is a cooked flour and milk mix that helps create a smooth and stretchy dough. This makes the bread rise well and stay moist. When you tear a piece of this bread it feels silky and soft. The taste is mild and slightly sweet which makes it perfect for many uses. You can eat it plain toast it with butter or use it for sandwiches. Kids and adults both enjoy it because it melts in the mouth.

You can make this bread when you want comfort food or when you want to impress your family with something special. It is great for breakfast with tea or coffee. It is also perfect for making soft sandwiches for lunch. Many people bake it to relax and feel calm because kneading dough can be very soothing. If you want to eat less processed bread and enjoy something fresh then this recipe is a good choice. It gives joy not only when you eat it but also while baking it.

Ingredients You Will Need

Bread flour 3 cups or 360 grams
Milk 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons
All purpose flour 3 tablespoons
Sugar 4 tablespoons
Salt 1 teaspoon
Instant yeast 2 and one fourth teaspoons
Egg 1 large
Unsalted butter 4 tablespoons softened
Warm water 2 tablespoons

Step by Step Method

Step one. Make the milk flour paste. In a small pan add 3 tablespoons of all purpose flour and 1 cup of milk. Mix well so there are no lumps. Cook this on low heat and keep stirring. After a few minutes it will become thick like a smooth paste. Turn off the heat and let it cool. This paste helps make the bread very soft.

Step two. Prepare the yeast mix. In a small bowl add warm water and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Add the yeast and mix gently. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. It should become foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.

Step three. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl add bread flour salt and the remaining sugar. Mix everything well so the salt spreads evenly.

Step four. Add wet ingredients. Add the cooled milk flour paste egg and yeast mixture into the bowl with flour. Mix everything with a spoon or hand until it forms a rough dough.

Step five. Knead the dough. Add softened butter little by little and knead the dough on a clean surface. Knead for about 12 minutes. The dough will become smooth soft and slightly sticky. Do not add too much flour. Sticky dough is good for soft bread.

Step six. First rise. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth. Keep it in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step seven. Shape the bread. Punch down the dough gently to remove air. Divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a ball then flatten and roll into a log shape.

Step eight. Second rise. Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 40 minutes. The dough should rise close to the top of the pan.

Step nine. Bake the bread. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Brush the top of the dough with milk. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step ten. Cool and enjoy. Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a rack. Slice only after it cools so the texture stays perfect.

Why This Recipe Is Special

This Japanese milk bread recipe is special because it gives very soft bread without using heavy cream or extra fat. The milk flour paste keeps the bread moist for days. This means you can bake once and enjoy it for a longer time. The bread has a light sweetness that feels comforting and gentle. It is easy to digest and not heavy on the stomach.

From a health point of view this bread uses milk and eggs which give protein and calcium. You can also control the sugar and salt amount which is better than store bought bread. The texture is soft which makes it easy to chew for kids and older people. The taste is clean and fresh without strong flavors.

The smell of this bread while baking fills the home with warmth. It creates a feeling of happiness and peace. Making it by hand also gives a sense of achievement and joy.

Extra Tips for Better Taste

Use full fat milk for richer flavor and softer crumb.
Let the dough rise slowly in a warm place for better texture.
Brush the top with milk or melted butter for a shiny finish.
Add a little honey instead of sugar for a mild sweetness.
Use this bread for French toast for an amazing breakfast.
Store the bread in a cloth bag to keep it soft longer.

Final Thoughts

Japanese milk bread is a beautiful recipe that brings comfort and joy. It is soft tasty and perfect for daily use. Even if you are new to baking you can make this bread with confidence. Take your time enjoy the process and feel proud of your homemade bread. Once you try it you will want to bake it again and again.

Nutrition Details

Nutrition per slice approximate values

Calories 180
Protein 6 grams
Fat 5 grams
Carbohydrates 28 grams
Sugar 6 grams
Fiber 1 gram
Calcium 60 milligrams

Values may change based on ingredient brands and portion size.