Imagine pulling a golden, soft, and perfectly risen Danish dough loaf out of your oven, its aroma filling your home with warmth and comfort. This isn't just any bread recipe - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for more. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen novice, this Danish dough recipe promises to elevate your baking skills and transport your taste buds straight to a cozy Danish bakery.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Danish
Serves: 2 loaves
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk over low heat until it is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of yeast over the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In another bowl, beat 2 eggs and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the beaten eggs and 1/2 cup of softened butter. Mix until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough in half to form 2 loaves.
- Shape each half into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then rolling it tightly from one end to the other. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Place the shaped loaves into greased loaf pans. Cover them again with the kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size again.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the loaves are rising.
- Once the loaves have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your freshly baked Danish dough loaves as is, or slice them and serve with butter or jam!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast to prevent killing the yeast culture.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading, use the heel of your hand to push and fold the dough, creating a smooth and elastic texture.
- Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot for dough rising - near a preheating oven or in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) works perfectly.
- Don't Rush: Patience is key in bread making. Allow sufficient time for rising to develop flavor and texture.
- Check Doneness: A golden-brown crust and a hollow sound when tapping the bottom indicate a perfectly baked loaf.
- Storage Tip: Once cooled, store your Danish dough in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 2-3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
