Japanese Milk Bread is fluffy, moist and it stays soft for days due to a simple technique called tangzhong. The dough is versatile enough for rolls, sandwich bread and more.
The holidays are here in full swing, which means you've probably eaten your fair share homemade cookies and candy and all of those delicious holiday treats. Seriously, who can pass up that mouthwatering divinity?
By this time each December, I always feel a bit sugared out. If you can relate, then you'll love today's recipe. I've decided it's time to take a break from all of the holiday treats with a recipe inspired by our trip to Japan in 2017: milk bread.
These rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy. And the secret to the softness? Tangzhong - a Japanese technique where you cook a portion of flour and water and then mix it in with the rest of the bread dough. The paste creates a bread that stays surprisingly moist and fluffy for several days.
Once you try milk bread and learn the tangzhong method (which is mindblowingly easy!), you'll never go back to making bread the same way ever again.
Seriously though, how come it took me so long to figure out how to make super soft, basically melt-in-your-mouth bread?
If you're looking for a good dish to take to a holiday dinner, you can't go wrong with Japanese milk bread. I can guarantee that everyone will be asking you for the recipe. Or if you need an easy neighbor gift to take around, you could try your hand at some milk bread cinnamon rolls.
I can just imagine that now. Soft, fluffy layers of dough rolled up between layers of sweet cinnamon and sugar...Amazing.
FAQs
Tangzhong is a cooked flour paste made with water, milk, and flour. It helps create an ultra-soft, fluffy texture while keeping the bread moist for longer.
Yes! Bread flour has more protein, which can result in a slightly chewier texture. If you prefer a softer roll, stick with all-purpose flour.
The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. You can also use the "windowpane test" by stretching a small piece of dough—if it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, it's ready.
Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step (warming the milk) and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
More Japanese Recipes
📋 Recipe
Japanese Milk Bread
Ingredients
Tangzhong
- 3 tablespoon water
- 3 tablespoon whole milk
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Bread Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup whole milk warmed
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream warmed
- 1 egg room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
Instructions
- Add the ingredients for the tangzhong to a small saucepan. Over medium heat, stir the mixture for 4-5 minutes or until it thickens into a paste. Transfer to a bowl, cover and let sit until it reaches room temperature.
- Using a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Add in the warmed milk, heavy whipping cream, tangzhong starter, and egg. Using a dough hook mix the dough on low for 5 minutes. Add the butter and mix an additional 5 minutes. Add additional flour if dough feels too sticky. Turn the speed to medium and continue mixing for another 5 minutes. Cover the bowl and let sit until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 pieces and roll into balls. Place balls into a greased 9x13" pan. Cover and allow to rise for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake the rolls for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with butter if desired.
Jen says
Where does the 1/4 cup of butter go?
Ashley says
Hi Jen! The butter is the very last ingredient to add in after you mix the dough for 5 minutes. I hope the bread turns out great for you!