Sure, it's a holiday favorite, but Italian sweet bread is easy enough to be an everyday treat. You'll find a satisfying sweetness in every slice.
Instructions
1
Prepare the dough
2
In the pan of your bread machine, add the warm milk, beaten egg, softened butter, sugar, salt, flour and active dry yeast in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select the "dough" setting on the machine. After five minutes of mixing, check the dough to ensure it's the right consistency—add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed. Editor's Tip: If you'd like to do this step the traditional way (by hand or using a stand mixer), you're welcome to do so.
3
Shape the dough
4
Once the dough cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each piece into a ball. Gently flatten the balls slightly and place them into two greased 9-inch round baking pans.
5
Let the dough rise
6
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size. Editor's Tip: If your dough isn't rising, the yeast may be old or the room may be too cold. Follow our dough troubleshooting guide to ensure the perfect rise.
7
Add the egg wash
8
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Whisk together the remaining egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush it over the top of each loaf to give the baked bread a shiny, golden crust. If you'd like, sprinkle the tops with Italian seasoning.
9
Bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Once baked, remove the loaves from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool.
