Delicious Bread for Breakfast

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. If using cinnamon, add it to the flour mixture.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Mix Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and the butter mixture to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms. If using raisins or dried cranberries, fold them into the dough at this stage.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

1. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen to about 1 inch above the edge of the pan.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. You can also check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the bread and serve it with your favorite breakfast accompaniments like butter, jam, honey, or cream cheese.

Tips for Delicious Breakfast Bread:

• Warm Ingredients: Make sure the milk is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast.
• Flour Measurement: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurement to prevent dense bread.
• Add-ins: Customize your breakfast bread by adding nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips to the dough.
• Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Slice it before freezing for easy thawing and use.

Enjoy your homemade breakfast bread with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect start to your day!