Tabitha's Homemade Wheat Bread

Recipe View In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast, honey, softened butter, salt, warm water, instant coffee granules, and cocoa powder. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Gradually add 3 cups of whole wheat flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes, adding more flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too sticky to handle, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a bread machine on the dough setting. (15 minutes)

Recipe View Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. (60 minutes)

Recipe View Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Recipe View Gently deflate the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten into a rectangle and fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. Gently roll under your palms to form a loaf and pinch the seam to seal. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a floured kitchen towel and let rise again for about 30 minutes, or until nearly doubled. (30 minutes)

Recipe View Using a serrated knife, score the top of the loaf with 3-4 diagonal slashes. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. (30 minutes)

Recipe View Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.