Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 2: Make the Dough
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.
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
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
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.
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
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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
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Delicious Bread for Breakfast
