Soft Milk Bread from Tous les Jours features a pillowy, golden-brown crust enveloping a tender, fluffy interior enriched with creamy milk, delivering a subtly sweet and melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect for any meal.
Equipments
- Stand mixer
- Dough hook attachment
- Mixing bowls
- Digital kitchen scale
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Bench scraper
- Rolling pin
- Loaf pan
- Pastry brush
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
- Wire cooling rack
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (320g) bread flour
- 2 tablespoons (30g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
- 2 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
- ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter, softened
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk, beaten)
Using bread flour with a high protein content is essential to develop the gluten structure that gives Soft Milk Bread its characteristic soft yet resilient texture. Warming the whole milk slightly helps activate the instant yeast properly, promoting better rise and fluffiness. Make sure the unsalted butter is softened to room temperature to blend evenly into the dough, enriching the bread's creamy mouthfeel. Measuring ingredients accurately with a digital kitchen scale ensures consistent results every time. Your copycat Soft Milk Bread from Tous les Jours will closely replicate the golden crust and tender crumb when these ingredient tips are followed carefully.
Instructions
- Warm the milk to about 100°F (38°C).
- In the stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Whisk to blend the dry ingredients.
- Add warmed milk, heavy cream, and egg to the dry ingredients.
- Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
- Increase to medium speed and knead for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Add softened butter gradually, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Knead for another 5–7 minutes until the dough is very smooth and passes the windowpane test.
- Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased mixing bowl.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
- Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1–2 hours.
- Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide dough into 3 equal pieces using a bench scraper.
- Shape each piece into a ball, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Roll each ball into a rectangle with a rolling pin.
- Fold each rectangle into thirds, roll again into a log.
- Place logs side by side into a greased loaf pan.
- Cover loosely and let rise until the dough crowns over the pan, 45–60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush loaf with egg wash using a pastry brush.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove bread from pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Substitution
Soft Milk Bread from Tous les Jours copycat menu offers a soft, fluffy crumb with a golden crust that's tender and slightly sweet, mimicking the bakery's popular loaf. If whole milk is unavailable, you can substitute with 2% milk combined with a tablespoon of melted butter for similar creaminess. Heavy cream can be replaced with an equal amount of full-fat yogurt for a slight tang while maintaining moisture. When using instant yeast, ensure it's fresh and properly measured to guarantee good rise; active dry yeast can be substituted but should be proofed first. Your loaf pan should be greased or lined to prevent sticking, and if you need to delay baking, refrigerate the dough covered in plastic wrap to slow fermentation without compromising texture.
Tips
Your milk should be warmed to around 100degF (38degC) to effectively activate the instant yeast without killing it, ensuring proper dough rise. Knead the dough until it passes the windowpane test, meaning it stretches thin without tearing, which indicates sufficient gluten development for a soft, fluffy texture. Cover the dough while resting and rising to maintain humidity, preventing the surface from drying out and cracking. Use the egg wash just before baking to achieve a golden-brown, glossy crust that enhances both appearance and flavor.
Nutritions
Your Soft Milk Bread from Tous les Jours provides a balanced source of carbohydrates from bread flour, essential for energy. The use of whole milk and heavy cream adds beneficial fats and proteins, contributing to a rich, creamy texture while supplying calcium and vitamins like B12. Eggs enrich the bread with additional protein and essential amino acids, improving its nutritional profile. Butter adds saturated fats and enhances flavor, making this bread both nourishing and satisfying as part of your meal.
Storage
Store your Soft Milk Bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain its soft texture and prevent it from drying out. For longer freshness, keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy it like freshly baked, warm slices briefly in a toaster or oven before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, though this may slightly alter the bread's softness. Try incorporating a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of honey into the dough to enhance the subtle sweetness. Instead of shaping the dough into a loaf, braid the divided dough pieces to create a visually appealing challah-style bread. Use clarified butter in place of unsalted butter for a richer flavor and a slightly crisper crust.
Allergies
Soft Milk Bread contains common allergens including wheat, milk, eggs, and butter, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have a dairy or egg allergy, consuming this bread could cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe allergic responses. Always check ingredient labels carefully and consult your healthcare provider before trying new bakery products.
Why this recipe?
Soft Milk Bread from Tous les Jours is beloved for its exceptionally fluffy texture and subtle, creamy sweetness that melts in your mouth. The unique blend of fresh milk, butter, and yeast creates a rich, tender crumb that appeals to both kids and adults. Making a copycat at home allows you to savor the freshness and control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more personalized treat. Your kitchen becomes a bakery, delivering the same irresistible softness and flavor that Tous les Jours fans crave.