Why This Bread Is Perfect for Coffee and Gifting
This bread was designed to be versatile and universally loved. It’s not too sweet, not too dense, and not overly crusty. That balance makes it ideal for many occasions.
- Pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or milk
- Delicious with butter, honey, jam, or cream cheese
- Slices cleanly for neat presentation
- Stays fresh for several days
- Looks beautiful wrapped as a gift
Homemade bread is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give—it says time, care, and love.
Ingredients You Will Need
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (not hot)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
These simple pantry ingredients come together to create a soft, flavorful bread that works beautifully for everyday enjoyment or special occasions.
Preparing the Dough
Activating the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to work.
If no foam appears, your yeast may be expired or the liquid too hot or cold. Always aim for lukewarm liquid—comfortable to the touch.
Mixing the Dough
Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms.
Once the dough becomes too thick to stir, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Kneading the Dough
Knead the dough by hand for about 8–10 minutes. Push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, fold it back over itself, and rotate slightly. Continue this motion until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread its structure and soft texture.
If the dough sticks too much, sprinkle a small amount of flour—avoid adding too much, as this can make the bread dense.
First Rise: Letting the Dough Rest
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
This slow rise allows the flavors to develop and ensures a light, airy crumb.
Shaping the Bread
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and shape it depending on your preference:
- A classic loaf for slicing
- A round artisan-style loaf
- Small rolls for gifting
Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough again and allow it to rise for another 30–45 minutes. It should puff up noticeably and spring back slowly when gently pressed.
This second rise is essential for achieving a soft, tender bread.
Baking the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Texture and Flavor Notes
This bread has:
- A soft, fluffy interior
- A light golden crust
- A mild, slightly sweet flavor
It is perfect for:
- Morning coffee or tea
- Toasting with butter or jam
- Sandwiches
- Gift baskets
The milk and butter give it richness, while the egg adds tenderness and structure.
Serving Ideas
With Coffee or Tea
Slice and serve warm with butter, honey, or cinnamon sugar. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with bitter coffee or black tea.
Breakfast or Brunch
Toast slices and top with:
- Jam or marmalade
- Cream cheese
- Nut butter
- Soft cheese and fruit
As a Gift
Wrap the cooled loaf in parchment paper and tie with twine. Add a handwritten tag for a personal touch. Homemade bread is always appreciated.
Variations and Add-Ins
Sweet Bread Version
Add:
- ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- A drizzle of honey on top before baking
Savory Version
Add:
- Grated cheese
- Herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Garlic powder
Whole Wheat Option
Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Add 1–2 tablespoons extra milk if needed.
Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature in a bread bag or wrapped in foil for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months
To refresh, warm slices in the oven or toaster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using liquid that is too hot (kills yeast)
- Adding too much flour
- Skipping the second rise
- Cutting while hot (crumb will be gummy)
Patience is key to perfect bread.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Homemade Bread Recipe is everything homemade bread should be: soft, comforting, versatile, and deeply satisfying. Whether enjoyed quietly with a cup of coffee or shared as a thoughtful gift, it brings warmth and joy to every bite.