Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¾ cup (177ml) whole milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened (1 stick), cut into cubes
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk or water

Instructions:

  1. Combine dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, yeast) in a mixing bowl.
  2. Whisk together warm milk and eggs. Gradually add to the dry ingredients.
  3. Knead in the stand mixer (or by hand) until the dough becomes smooth. Gradually add the softened butter, a few cubes at a time, kneading until fully incorporated.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (approx. 2 hours).
  5. Gently punch down the dough. Roll it out into a large rectangle (roughly 12x18 inches). Fold into thirds like a business letter. Rotate 90 degrees and repeat the rolling and folding process one more time.
  6. Place the dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until almost doubled (approx. 1 hour).
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together egg and milk (or water) for the egg wash.
  8. Brush the loaf with the egg wash. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C) is reached.
  9. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.