Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (ensure it's around 38°C/100°F – warm to the touch but not hot) with the sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This activation step ensures your yeast is alive and will give your bread a proper rise.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture, egg, and oil. Mix until roughly combined, then add the softened butter.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface (or 5-6 minutes with a stand mixer using the dough hook) until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. The dough should pass the "window pane test" – when a small piece is stretched between your fingers, it should form a thin, translucent membrane without tearing. This indicates proper gluten development, essential for that perfect soft texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The ideal temperature for proofing is around 27-29°C (80-85°F).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion into a rectangle about 20cm (8 inches) wide and 30cm (12 inches) long.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Starting from the shorter end, tightly roll each rectangle into a log, pinching the seams and ends to seal. The tight rolling creates the characteristic swirl inside Double Roti and ensures even rising. Place each log seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cover the pans loosely with a damp cloth and let the dough rise again for 45-60 minutes, or until the dough has risen about 2.5cm (1 inch) above the rim of the pans. This second rise (called proofing) gives the bread its light, airy texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) during the final 20 minutes of proofing. When the loaves are fully proofed, gently brush the tops with beaten egg wash for a beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are deeply golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the tops are browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Remove from the oven and immediately turn out onto a wire rack. Brush the tops lightly with butter for an extra soft crust, if desired. Allow to cool completely before slicing – although it's tempting to cut in right away, waiting ensures the texture sets properly. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.</li></ol>