Italian Sweet Bread

By Addie

This golden brown bread offers satisfying sweetness in every slice. The hearty round loaves rise well and cut beautifully. With an egg wash and a sprinkling of Italian seasoning, the bread looks pretty, too. -Kim Ooms Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Ingredients

• EGG WASH:
• 1 cup warm milk (70° to 80°)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• .................................................
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Italian seasoning, optional

Preparation

Step 1

In bread machine pan, place the first seven ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).


When the cycle is completed, turn dough onto a floured surface. Divide in half. Shape each portion into a ball; flatten slightly. Place in two greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.


Beat egg and water; brush over the dough. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning if desired.Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Yield: 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Editor's Note: We recommend you do not use a bread machine's time-delay feature for this recipe.
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REVIEWS:

I even forgot the egg wash, and this came out a beautiful and delicious bread. I can't wait to make it again; it had a very similar flavor to a local Italian restaurant's bread that we enjoy.

I had rave reviews from my family on this recipe. Made one loaf to give as gift and they loved it also. Making a double batch today since my family didn't get enough.

Have made this over and over again. Great recipe!

One of the best breads I have ever made. I also did not use a bread machine, did it by hand, it's a great bread!

I have made this bread about 30 times. It's now my specialty bread and my 8 year old niece asked for it for her birthday!

I make this bread everyday. My husband won't eat any other bread since i first made this. I gave a loaf to all my neighbors and they are still telling me how much they loved it. Especially toasted the next day. That's how i decide whether the recipe will be made again,testing it out on my neighbors. So far everything that I mad from the taste of home magazine, they love. So I bow to you and thank you for making me have the title of a good cook in the neighborhood.

My family and I love this bread! The only thing I do different is replace the all purpose flour with bread flour. I prefer the texture of the bread this way. This bread is great as it is, or brush a little olive oil and toast it, then top with fresh made bruschetta. Better than store bought and so easy!!