Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the milk and egg. If opting out of using an egg, remember to adjust the milk quantity accordingly.
Knead the Dough: Bring everything together and knead by hand until the dough starts to form. It should be slightly sticky and elastic. Gradually incorporate the softened unsalted butter into the dough as you knead.
Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for about 20 minutes. There’s no need for a long fermentation process; just enough time for the dough to become easier to handle.
Shape and Fill: After resting, roll out the dough into a large sheet on a floured surface. Spread a thin layer of butter (salted or unsalted, as per your preference) over the dough. For an extra fluffy texture, you can fold the dough sheet a few times before finally rolling it up.
Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled dough into the greased loaf pan. Let it sit for a few minutes while you preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
Bake: Brush the top of the dough with egg wash for a golden finish (optional). Bake in the preheated oven for 22 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool before slicing. Enjoy the unparalleled softness and fluffy texture of your homemade butter bread
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