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Soft and Fluffy Tangzhong Milk Bread — Perfect for Sandwiches or Breakfast

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Soft and Fluffy Tangzhong Milk Bread — Perfect for Sandwiches or Breakfast

Soft and Fluffy Tangzhong Milk Bread — Perfect for Sandwiches or Breakfast

Discover the delight of this ultra-soft milk bread using the Japanese tangzhong method, which creates a moist, tender crumb and a golden crust. This bread is ideal for breakfast, sandwiches, or simply enjoying fresh with butter.

🕒 Prep & Rise Time: 1 hour + 1 hour

🍳 Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
🍞 Yields: 6 rolls

🥄 Ingredients

Dough:

  • 🥛 125 ml warm milk
  • 🥚 1 egg (room temperature)
  • 🧈 30 g butter (room temperature)
  • 🌾 120 g tangzhong (see below)
  • 🥄 1 heaping tsp powdered milk
  • 🍬 1 tsp sugar
  • 🧂 1 tsp salt
  • 🌾 350 g all-purpose flour
  • 🌾 3/4 sachet dry yeast

Tangzhong Starter:

  • 🌾 50 g all-purpose flour
  • 💧 250 ml water

Decoration:

  • 🥚 1 small egg
  • 🥛 4 tbsp milk
  • 🌰 sesame seeds
  • 🌾 poppy seeds (or flax seeds)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Tangzhong

  • 🥣 Mix 50 ml water with the flour to create a smooth paste.
  • 💧 Heat the remaining 200 ml water until boiling and gradually pour it over the flour paste, whisking continuously.
  • 🔥 Place the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency and you can see whisk marks.
  • ❄️ Remove from heat, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until needed (up to 2-3 days).

2. Make the Dough

  • 🥄 Add all dough ingredients (using only 120 g tangzhong) into a bread machine in the order listed.
  • ⚙️ Set the machine to knead only. After kneading, switch to the knead + rise program and let the dough double in size.
  • 👋 Alternatively, knead by hand for at least 20 minutes, then let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.

3. Shape the Rolls

  • 🍞 Lightly flour the work surface and place the dough on it. Divide into 6 equal pieces.
  • 👐 Shape each piece into a smooth round bun by tucking edges underneath.
  • 🍽️ Arrange the buns in a large round baking tray: one in the center and the rest spaced evenly around it, leaving room to expand.
  • 🛑 Cover the tray with a plastic bag and let the dough rise again for 1 hour in a warm place.
  • * Optional: Shape as a loaf and bake in a loaf pan (see reference photos).

4. Decorate and Bake

  • 🥚 Beat the egg with milk. Brush the tops of the buns evenly with this egg wash.
  • 🌰 Sprinkle sesame seeds on the outer buns and poppy seeds on the center bun for a beautiful contrast.
  • 🔥 Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

💡 Tips

  • The tangzhong starter ensures a soft, moist crumb that stays fresh longer.
  • Allow enough rising time to get fluffy, well-risen buns.
  • Egg wash gives the bread a beautiful golden shine and helps seeds stick.
  • Experiment with seeds for varied flavor and texture on top.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Breakfast bread
  • Sandwich rolls
  • Tea time treats

📝 Final Thoughts

This tangzhong milk bread recipe produces irresistibly soft, fluffy rolls with a golden crust and a slight sweetness from milk powder. Using the tangzhong method guarantees fresh, tender bread that’s easy to bake at home and perfect for many occasions.