In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
Add the activated yeast mixture, cream, and egg to the flour mixture. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
Add the softened butter to the dough and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a tight log, then place them side by side in a greased loaf pan.
Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 45 minutes, or until the dough rises just above the rim of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the dough with a beaten egg to create a golden finish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
"For a sweeter flavor, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the dough mixture.", "Avoid over-kneading — it can make the bread too dense.", "Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month."