What Makes This Bread Special
Soft Inside, Crispy Outside
The outside becomes lightly golden and crisp, while the inside stays pillowy and soft. The texture contrast is absolutely addictive.
Beautiful Buttery Layers
Thanks to a simple folding technique with butter, the dough creates visible layers that separate when baked, giving that signature flaky look.
Simple Ingredients
No fancy ingredients needed. Just flour, milk, butter, and yeast.
Perfect for Any Meal
Sweet or savory — it works with everything.
Ingredients List
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (500 g)
- 1 cup warm milk (240 ml)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons soft butter or oil
- ½ cup warm water (adjust if needed)
For Laminating (Layers)
- 150 g soft butter (or melted butter + oil mix)
For Brushing
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk
Optional:
- sesame seeds
- nigella seeds
- honey glaze
- cheese filling
Why These Ingredients Work
Flour
Gives structure. All-purpose is perfect for soft bread.
Milk
Adds richness and tenderness. Makes the crumb soft and fluffy.
Butter
Creates flaky layers and buttery flavor.
Yeast
Helps the dough rise and become airy.
Egg
Adds softness and color.
Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving that bakery-style texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Activate the Yeast
In a bowl:
- warm milk
- sugar
- yeast
Mix and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
This tells you the yeast is alive and ready.
Step 2 – Make the Dough
In a large bowl add:
- flour
- salt
- egg
- butter
- yeast mixture
Mix everything.
Gradually add warm water while kneading.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
The dough should be:
✔ soft
✔ slightly sticky
✔ stretchy
If too dry → add water
If too sticky → sprinkle flour
Step 3 – First Rise
Cover the dough.
Let rest in a warm place for 1 hour.
It should double in size.
This step creates softness and air pockets.
Step 4 – Divide and Shape
Punch down the dough.
Divide into 6–8 equal balls.
Cover and rest 10 minutes.
This makes rolling easier.
Step 5 – Create the Layers (Lamination)
This is the magic step ✨
Take one ball.
Roll it very thin like a large circle.
Spread soft butter generously on top.
Fold like this:
- fold left
- fold right
- fold top
- fold bottom
You get a square.
Set aside.
Repeat for all balls.
Butter between every layer.
Stack them gently.
This stacking creates dozens of thin buttery layers.
Step 6 – Final Rolling
Place the stacked dough in a greased baking tray.
Gently press and stretch to fill the tray.
Do NOT squash too hard — keep air inside.
Cover and let rise again 30–40 minutes.
The dough will puff up nicely.
Step 7 – Egg Wash
Brush the top with:
egg yolk + milk
This gives:
✨ golden shine
✨ crispy crust
✨ beautiful color
Optional: sprinkle sesame or seeds.
Step 8 – Bake
Bake at:
180°C (350°F)
For 25–30 minutes.
Until:
✔ golden brown top
✔ crisp edges
✔ soft inside
Your kitchen will smell like butter heaven 😍
Step 9 – Cool Slightly and Cut
Let cool 10 minutes.
Cut into squares.
Watch the layers separate — so satisfying!
Serve warm.
Texture Tips
Perfect bread should be:
✔ fluffy
✔ layered
✔ soft inside
✔ slightly crispy outside
✔ buttery aroma
If too dense → not enough rising
If dry → baked too long
If flat → dough too thin
Delicious Serving Ideas
Sweet Style
- honey
- jam
- Nutella
- condensed milk
- powdered sugar
Savory Style
- cheese
- olives
- eggs
- soup
- chicken or meat fillings
Breakfast
- butter + coffee
- cream cheese
- scrambled eggs
Snack
Just tear and eat warm 😄
Storage Tips
Room temp: 2 days
Fridge: 5 days
Freezer: 2 months
Reheat:
- oven 5 minutes
- or pan toast
It becomes soft again like fresh.
Pro Tips for Perfect Layers
Use Soft Butter
Cold butter tears dough. Soft spreads easily.
Roll Thin
Thin layers = more flakiness.
Don’t Rush Rising
Slow rise = softer bread.
Don’t Overbake
Dry bread loses magic.
Rest Between Steps
Relaxed dough = easier shaping.
Flavor Variations
Cheesy Stuffed
Add mozzarella between folds.
Garlic Butter
Mix butter + garlic + parsley.
Sweet Cinnamon
Sugar + cinnamon layers for dessert bread.
Chocolate
Spread chocolate cream inside.
Herb Bread
Add oregano or thyme.
Endless possibilities!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread is:
❤️ budget friendly
❤️ family size
❤️ bakery quality
❤️ soft and flaky
❤️ super satisfying
It looks fancy but is actually easy.
Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself.
Once you tear one warm piece and see steam coming out… you’ll understand why everyone loves it.