Simple Sweet Bread

I've been trying to dive into a little more breads so I've been hunting for recipes that are simple and easy for beginners. This bread tastes a lot like Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and holds up to a bunch of different toppings. I toasted it and made avocado toast the day after I made the bread, and it's great for sandwiches too! I shaped the loaf into a braid, but you can also just throw it in a couple loaf pans and call it a day. The hardest part of making this bread is waiting around for it to proof and rise. Other than that, your stand mixer does most of the work!

---

Servings: 12-16

Prep Time: 5 hrs

Total Time: 5 hrs 30 min

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup warm milk (I microwaved it for 20 seconds)

• 2 tsp active dried yeast

• 3 cups flour

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 4 egg yolks

• 2 Tbsp sour cream

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 3 Tbsp butter, softened

• Pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of warm milk and let sit for 15 minutes until frothy.

2. Using a stand mixer with a kneading hook, mix yeast mixture, the rest of the milk, sugar, egg yolks, sour cream, vanilla, and flour on low speed. When everything is combined, increase speed to medium and knead for 15-20 minutes until the dough is tacky to the touch but holds together without sticking to the edges of the bowl.

3. Add the butter and salt and knead for another 5 minutes until there are no butter streaks in the dough.

4. Oil the sides of the bowl and dough. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and leave in a warm place for about 2 hours. The dough should have doubled in size.

5. Once risen, divide the dough into into 3 equal pieces and roll each piece into a 20-ish inch long log. Pinch the ends of the three logs together and braid them. Pinch the ends together at the end and tuck both ends under the loaf you just made.

6. Transfer to a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat. Cover the baking sheet with a clean towel and allow the loaf to proof one more time for another 2 hours.

7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Brush the top of the loaf with and egg wash mixture (egg an egg mixed with a splash of milk). Bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the oven and allow to cool.