Flaky Butter Bread Recipe

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### Ingredients for Flaky Butter Bread

– **2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour**
– **2 teaspoons baking powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**
– **1 teaspoon sugar**
– **1/2 cup cold unsalted butter**, cubed (for maximum flakiness)
– **3/4 cup cold milk** (or buttermilk for added richness)
– **1 large egg** (for brushing the top)

Optional:
– **1 tablespoon melted butter** (for brushing the bread after baking, for extra buttery flavor and sheen)

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### Step-by-Step Instructions for Flaky Butter Bread

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan**:
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
– Grease a **9×5-inch loaf pan** or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread once baked.

#### 2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**:
– In a large bowl, combine the **flour**, **baking powder**, **salt**, and **sugar**. Stir the ingredients together to ensure they are well mixed.

#### 3. **Cut the Cold Butter Into the Flour**:
– Add the **cold, cubed butter** to the dry ingredients. The key to flaky bread is working quickly with cold butter, so keep the butter chilled right until you use it.
– Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized chunks of butter still visible. These pockets of butter will create the flaky layers in the bread.

#### 4. **Add the Wet Ingredients**:
– Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the **cold milk**. Stir gently with a spoon until the dough starts to come together.
– Be careful not to overmix the dough; the less you handle it, the flakier the bread will be.

#### 5. **Shape the Dough**:
– Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it just comes together.
– Roll the dough out into a rectangle about **12 inches long** and **6 inches wide**.
– Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. Then, roll it out again into a rectangle. Repeat the folding process 2-3 times. This helps to create the layers that make the bread flaky.

#### 6. **Form the Loaf**:
– After the final fold, roll the dough into a loaf shape and place it into your prepared loaf pan. It should fit snugly, but don’t worry if the shape isn’t perfect; the dough will settle into place as it bakes.

#### 7. **Brush the Top and Bake**:
– Beat the **egg** and brush it over the top of the dough for a golden, glossy finish once it’s baked.
– Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for **35-40 minutes**, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
– For an extra buttery touch, you can brush the top with **melted butter** right after the bread comes out of the oven. This will add richness and enhance the flavor.

#### 8. **Cool and Slice**:
– Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the bread keeps its flaky texture and prevents it from becoming soggy.
– Once cooled, slice into thick, buttery pieces and enjoy!

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### Tips for the Best Flaky Butter Bread

1. **Use Cold Ingredients**: The key to getting a **flaky texture** is to keep everything cold, especially the butter and milk. Cold butter creates those lovely layers in the dough, so don’t skip this step.

2. **Don’t Overwork the Dough**: The more you handle the dough, the less flaky your bread will be. Mix the dough gently, and when shaping it, handle it as little as possible.

3. **Add Flavors**: If you want to switch things up, you can add a little **garlic powder**, **herbs**, or even **cheese** into the dough for extra flavor.

4. **Serve Fresh**: This bread is best served fresh and warm, straight out of the oven. If you have leftovers, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days.

5. **Toast for Extra Crunch**: To make the bread even more delightful, slice and toast the bread before serving. It will become slightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.

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### Why This Flaky Butter Bread is a Must-Try

This **Flaky Butter Bread** is one of those recipes that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s the perfect combination of **soft** and **flaky**, with buttery layers that practically melt in your mouth. Whether you’re using it to make the most indulgent toast for breakfast, serving it with a warm bowl of soup, or enjoying it with a pat of butter for an afternoon snack, this bread is sure to impress.

It’s a great recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, and you’ll likely find yourself baking it on repeat once you experience the delightful texture and flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can pair it with just about anything, from savory dishes like stews or roasts to sweet spreads like jam and honey.

So next time you’re craving a comforting loaf of homemade bread, try this **Flaky Butter Bread** recipe. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!