Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk (about 105-110 degrees F)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
Dough
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (½ stick)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
For Brushing
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the room temperature butter, egg, kosher salt, and 2 cups of flour. Beat on medium speed using a mixer until the batter is smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft ball of dough forms. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the dough for an additional 2-3 minutes. The dough should be tacky but not sticky—if it’s too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough ball inside. Turn once to coat all sides. Cover with a clean dish towel and set in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Prep Dough for Shaping: Gently punch down the risen dough. Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Knead gently if needed to smooth it out. Let the dough rest a few minutes before shaping.
- Shape Rolls: Prepare baking sheets by lining them with silicone mats or spraying with non-stick cooking spray. Roll the dough out to a rectangle approximately 12 x 8 inches and ½ inch thick. Cut the dough into 24-30 even pieces with a sharp knife.
- Second Rise: Transfer the cut rolls to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Cover with a dish towel and let them rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: About 20 minutes before the rolls finish rising, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bake Rolls: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden brown on top.
- Brush with Butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the melted butter to keep them soft and flavorful.
Notes
- Ensure milk temperature is between 105-110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
- Add flour gradually to avoid making the dough too dense.
- Keep the dough covered during rises to prevent the surface from drying out.
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients.
- The quantity of flour may vary slightly depending on humidity and flour brand.
- Brush the rolls immediately after baking to maximize butter absorption and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 145mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg