Ingredients:
– **Bread Dough:**
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
– 1 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
– 1/4 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– **Honey Butter Topping:**
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Activate the Yeast:**
– In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. **Make the Dough:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and warm milk. Add the softened butter.
– Mix until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or knead by hand.
3. **Knead the Dough:**
– Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. **First Rise:**
– Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. **Shape the Dough:**
– Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into small balls (about the size of a golf ball) and place them in a greased round baking pan or skillet.
6. **Second Rise:**
– Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let the dough balls rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they puff up.
7. **Prepare the Honey Butter Topping:**
– In a small bowl, mix melted butter and honey until well combined.
8. **Bake the Bread:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the risen dough balls with the honey butter mixture and sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top if desired.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
9. **Serve:**
– Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. Brush with more honey butter if desired.
Enjoy your homemade honey butter bread!
Enjoy!