Milk Buns

Milk Bread - A Homemade Delight

There is nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked bread, and today's milk bread recipe is truly special. This soft and fluffy bread is perfect for any meal, whether you serve it at breakfast with a slice of butter and jam or at dinner alongside a warm soup. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 30-40 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 9 rolls

Ingredients:
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25g)
- 250 ml of lukewarm milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Flour (approximately 500g, as needed)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it. If you don’t have fresh yeast, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount (approximately 7g).

Step 2: Activating the yeast
In a large bowl, pour the lukewarm milk. Add the yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well to ensure the yeast and sugar dissolve completely. Wait a few minutes for the yeast to start bubbling - this is a sign that it is active and ready to go.

Step 3: Preparing the dough
Start adding the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Continue to add flour until the dough becomes homogeneous and no longer sticks to your hands. It is important not to add all the flour at once to avoid getting a dough that is too hard.

Step 4: Adding the oil
Once you have a smooth dough, add the oil. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until the oil is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This step is essential for developing the gluten, which will make the bread fluffy.

Step 5: Rising the dough
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes. The dough should double in size.

Step 6: Shaping the rolls
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 9 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Place them in a greased baking tray, leaving a little space between them to allow for rising.

Step 7: Preheating the oven
While the rolls rest, preheat the oven to 180°C. This step ensures that the rolls will bake evenly and develop a nice crust.

Step 8: Brushing the rolls
After resting for 10 minutes, brush each ball with the beaten egg yolk. This will give a golden color and an appetizing look to your rolls.

Step 9: Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the rolls for 30-40 minutes or until they are golden and have risen nicely. You can check if they are baked by gently tapping the bottom of a roll - if it sounds hollow, they are ready!

Step 10: Cooling and serving
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a rack. Then, enjoy them with butter, cheese, or any other favorite topping. If you want an interesting idea, you can fill them with fresh fruit jam for a delicious breakfast.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- If you want extra flavor, you can add a little vanilla or lemon zest to the dough.
- These rolls are also great for sandwiches! You can fill them with meat, salad, or fresh vegetables.

Nutritional information:
Each roll has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on size and added ingredients. This milk bread is a good source of carbohydrates, and the milk provides essential calcium and proteins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use plant-based milk? Absolutely! Almond or soy milk works very well in this recipe.
- How can I keep the rolls fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for a longer duration.
- Can I freeze the rolls? Yes! Once completely cooled, you can place them in freezer bags and keep them for up to 3 months.

I hope this milk bread recipe brings you joy and delicious moments in the kitchen! Don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones, as freshly baked bread is always better when enjoyed together. Enjoy your meal!