ITALIAN SWEET BREAD

Italian Sweet Bread image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 2 loaves (16 pieces each).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

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

Steps:

In bread machine pan, place the first 7 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 2 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° until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 87 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 119mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.