Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and sweetened condensed milk.
Make the Dough: Add the yeast mixture and the condensed milk mixture to the flour. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
Incorporate the Butter: Gradually add the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, kneading until fully incorporated. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 2: First Rise
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Bread
Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.
Divide and Shape: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 8-10 equal portions (for rolls) or leave it whole (for a loaf). Shape each portion into smooth balls, or if making a loaf, shape it into a log.
Place in Pan: For rolls, arrange them in a greased 9-inch round or square baking pan, leaving a little space between each. For a loaf, place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 4: Second Rise
Let the Dough Rise Again: Cover the shaped dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size again.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Brush with Egg Wash: Gently brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg to give the bread a golden, shiny finish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes (for rolls) or 30-35 minutes (for a loaf), until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Fluffy Condensed Milk Bread
Use Warm Milk: The milk should be warm but not hot (about 110°F/43°C). Hot milk can kill the yeast, while cold milk will slow down the rising process.
Soft Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature so it incorporates smoothly into the dough.
Check the Rise: If your dough isn’t rising, your yeast may be expired or the temperature might be too cold. Place the dough in a warm area, such as near the oven or on top of the fridge, to help it rise.
Variations
Condensed Milk Rolls: Instead of one loaf, divide the dough into smaller portions and shape them into individual rolls. Bake them in a round or square pan for easy-to-pull-apart dinner rolls.
Sweet Fillings: For an extra indulgent treat, you can fill each dough ball with sweetened cream cheese, Nutella, or jam before shaping them into rolls.
Condensed Milk Glaze: For a sweeter finish, mix some sweetened condensed milk with a little melted butter and brush it over the hot bread as soon as it comes out of the oven.
