Instructions:
1. Preparation:
Warm the Milk and Water:
In a small saucepan, warm the milk and water until they are just slightly warm to the touch (about 100-110°F or 37-43°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and milk powder (if using).
2. Making the Dough:
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the warm milk mixture, softened butter, and egg to the dry ingredients.
Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 7 minutes.
First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shaping and Baking:
Shape the Dough:
Punch down the risen dough to release air.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise:
Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dough has risen to the top of the pan.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Bread:
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool the Bread:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
