Embark on a culinary journey as we unravel the secrets to crafting the perfect Asian milk bread rolls. This recipe has been a sensation since its inception on January 17, 2015, and we've enhanced it with clearer photos, a comprehensive FAQ section, and improved directions. Brace yourself for an experience that will yield soft, buttery, and irresistibly fluffy rolls—a testament to our quest for the ultimate milk bread perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/3 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of milk + 1 tablespoon, at room temperature (whole milk, 2%, or diluted milk)
- 1 large egg (pre-cooked)
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour (or 1/2 cup cake flour + 3 1/2 cups bread flour)
- 1 tablespoon active yeast (or quick yeast)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon of water
- Simple syrup: 1 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon hot water
Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook, add heavy cream, milk, pre-cooked egg, sugar, flours, yeast, and salt in order.
- Set the mixer to "stir" and knead for 15 minutes. Adjust with additional flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- Alternatively, knead by hand for 5 to 10 minutes longer.
2. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a warm spot, covering it with a damp towel.
- Allow it to rise for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
3. Preparing Baking Dishes:
- Butter both sides of two baking dishes (loaf pans, round pans, or a combination).
- Optionally, butter one loaf pan and one round pan or two 6” loaf pans and two 9” round pans.
4. Second Mixing and Shaping:
- Return the dough to the mixer, stirring for an additional 5 minutes to eliminate air bubbles.
- On a floured surface, cut the dough in half. Shape each half into a rough rectangle for loaves or divide into eight pieces for rolls.
- Place the shaped dough in prepared pans and let it rise for another hour.
5. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C.
- Apply egg wash to the risen dough.
- Bake for 23 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, brush the warm bread with sugar water for shine and sweetness.
Step into the realm of artisanal bread-making with these heavenly Asian milk bread rolls. The fusion of simplicity and richness in each bite is sure to elevate your baking prowess. From loaves to rolls, this recipe allows versatility in shaping your creations. Enjoy the golden-brown perfection, and revel in the satisfaction of creating bakery-quality rolls in the comfort of your kitchen.