Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (preferably whole milk)
- 1/4 cup (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup (100g) honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons or 7g) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water with yeast and a teaspoon of honey. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, remaining honey, and (optional) vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, salt, and (optional) cinnamon.
- Stir the yeast mixture into the wet ingredients, then gradually add the dry mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough, then remove it from the bowl. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf with a towel and allow it to rise again for 30-40 minutes until it rises just above the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.