Ingredients:

  • 1 cup warm whole milk
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp orange zest
  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Bloom the Yeast: Combine warm milk and honey. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until a foamy layer forms.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in softened butter, egg, and orange zest until integrated.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add bread flour and salt. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead: Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, tacky (but not sticking to fingers), and bounces back when poked.
  5. First Proof: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise.