Sweet Bread

Step 1

Stir the yeast into 1/4 cup of the warm milk and let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Mix the flour, 1/2 cup of the sugar, salt, and orange zest, then rub in 8 tbsp of the softened butter until sandy.

Step 3

Add the yeast mixture, 1/4 cup orange juice, the remaining 1/4 cup milk, and 2 beaten eggs; knead about 10 minutes until smooth, soft, and only slightly tacky.

Step 4

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until doubled, 1.5 to 2 hours; a poke should spring back slowly.

Step 5

Press out the air, shape two-thirds of the dough into a smooth ball, and set it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6

Roll the reserved third into two ropes and a small ball; lay the ropes crossed over the loaf with the ball in the center.

Step 7

Cover loosely and let rise until puffy, 45 to 60 minutes; near the end, heat the oven to 350°F.

Step 8

Brush the loaf with the beaten remaining egg and bake 25 to 30 minutes until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Step 9

Brush the hot loaf with the remaining 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tbsp sugar.