Butter Crescent Loaf in the Bread Maker

1Prepare the bread maker: Grease the bread maker's baking pan with a little butter.

2Prepare the dough: Add the lukewarm milk (1 cup), melted butter, bread flour (3 cups), sugar (2 tablespoons), salt (1½ teaspoons), and yeast to the bread maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, liquids go in first, followed by the dry ingredients, with yeast added last.

3Select the dough setting on your bread maker and start the cycle. Allow the machine to mix, knead, and rise the dough. This process usually takes about 90 minutes.

4Once the dough cycle is complete, gently remove the dough from the bread maker and place it on a lightly floured surface.

5Shape the loaf: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the granulated sugar (¼ cup) on top.

6Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Then, form the log into a crescent shape, ensuring the seam is on the bottom. If the loaf is too long for your bread maker's baking pan, you can cut it in half and form two smaller crescents.

7Transfer the shaped loaf (or loaves) back into the bread maker's baking pan.

8Glaze the loaf: In a small bowl, mix together the lightly beaten egg (1) and milk (1 cup). Brush this mixture over the top of the loaf.

9Continue baking: Select the bake setting on your bread maker (or follow the manufacturer's instructions for baking dough). Bake until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, about 25 to 30 minutes.

10Once baked, carefully remove the loaf from the bread maker and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.