Soft Buttermilk Mini Breads

Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup full-fat buttermilk
• 1/3 cup cold butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 4 1/2-6 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Recipe

• 1 grease 7-8 (5x3-inch mini loaf pans); set aside.
• 2 warm oven to 200f for 5 minutes, then turn off immediately after 5 minutes! (this creates a perfect temperature to rise dough).
• 3 in the meantime, in a microwave 4-cup pyrex measuring cup, place the 1 cup buttermilk, 1/3 cup butter (cut into small chunks) 2-1/2 tablespoons sugar and 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; mix slightly with a spoon.
• 4 place in the microwave on high for about 2 minutes, mixing after 1 minute (the butter does not have to be completely melted) the buttermilk should feel warm, but not hot; remove, stir again and set aside.
• 5 proof the yeast with 1 teaspoon sugar, in 1 cup warm water for 8-10 minutes, until foamy.
• 6 prepare the kneader hook on a heavy-duty stand mixer, and spray the stainless steel bowl with non-stick spray.
• 7 put 4 cups of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder in the bowl; mix slightly with a spoon, then pour the warmed buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture (this all can be done while the yeast is proofing).
• 8 after the yeast is proofed pour into the flour and buttermilk mixture.
• 9 start kneading/mixing on low speed for about 1-2 minutes, adding more flour as needed to create a soft semi-sticky dough that holds around the kneader blade (don't add in too much flour, this will create a heavy bread/bun).
• 10 increase speed slightly, and continue to knead the dough for about 7-8 minutes.
• 11 remove the dough, and set on the counter, covered with a clean tea towel for 10 minutes.
• 12 grease a large bowl (i just use the same bowl that i mixed the dough in).
• 13 after 10 minutes, knead the dough slightly by hand for about 20-30 seconds, the dough should come together nicely.
• 14 shape in a large ball and place in greased bowl.
• 15 cover bowl with a clean dry tea towel, and place in the preheated oven (that has been turned off!) for 60-70 minutes until doubled.
• 16 remove and punch down dough, then remove/transfer to a clean cutting board or counter.
• 17 cut dough into larger size round balls (about the size of a golf ball) and fit two balls in one mini loaf pan.
• 18 cover with a clean tea towel, and place back in oven to rise again for around 30 minutes.
• 19 remove from oven.
• 20 preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• 21 place the mini loaf pans in and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until dark golden brown.
• 22 remove the bread immediately from pans.
• 23 delicious!