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Sweet Bread Recipe – Basic Sweet Yeast Dough

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: ~2 hours
  • Yield: 12 rolls or 1 loaf 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This lightly sweet, soft yeast dough is perfect for making sweet rolls, babka, challah, brioche-style bread, or even donuts! It’s easy to work with and bakes into a beautifully tender bread with a hint of sweetness.


Ingredients

Units Scale

3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)


Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

  1. Add egg, melted butter, salt, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  2. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

  1. Knead on a floured surface (or in a mixer with a dough hook) for 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  2. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape & Bake

  1. Punch down the dough and shape it into loaves, rolls, braids, or buns.
  2. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes (for rolls) or 30-35 minutes (for loaves), until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool & Enjoy

 

  1. Let cool slightly before serving. Brush with melted butter or honey for a soft, glossy finish!

Notes

Make it richer: Replace ¼ cup of milk with heavy cream for a brioche-like texture.

For cinnamon rolls: Roll out the dough, spread with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, roll up, slice, and bake.

For a golden crust: Brush with an egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk) before baking.