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Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and gently stir. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and the melted butter, then crack in the egg. Stir everything together until combined. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together.
Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, a little at a time, until the dough is soft but not sticky. You may not need the full amount of flour, or you may need a little more depending on your environment and humidity.
3. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as it will make the rolls dense.
4. Let the Dough Rise
Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil and place the dough inside, turning it once so that it’s lightly coated with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free area to rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath to create a round shape.
6. Place the Rolls in a Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a round cake pan and arrange the dough balls in the pan. Place them close together so that they will rise up and bake into each other, creating soft, pillowy rolls. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.
7. Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have finished their second rise, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. If you like your rolls extra buttery, you can brush them with a little melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes before serving. They’re perfect warm and can be enjoyed with butter, honey, or even alongside your favorite soups and stews.
Why You’ll Love These Soft and Buttery Rolls
Perfect Texture:
These rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crispy, golden crust on the outside. They have just the right amount of buttery flavor, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Versatile:
These homemade rolls are so versatile! They’re the perfect accompaniment to any meal, whether you’re serving them with a big roast, a warm bowl of soup, or a holiday spread. You can also serve them with jams, honey, or as a base for sliders.
Easy to Make:
Though the dough needs time to rise, this recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment. If you’ve never baked homemade bread before, this is a great recipe to start with!
Perfect for Sharing:
The soft, pull-apart texture of these rolls makes them great for sharing. Whether you’re having a family dinner, a gathering, or a holiday meal, these rolls are sure to disappear fast!
Tips for the Best Rolls
- Check the temperature of your milk: The milk should be warm, but not too hot. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature of about 110°F, which feels comfortably warm to the touch.
- Don’t rush the rise: The key to soft, fluffy rolls is allowing the dough to rise properly. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in a warm oven (set to 200°F and then turned off) or near a warm stovetop to speed up the rising process.
- Brush with butter for extra flavor: For that irresistible buttery finish, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. You can also sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a savory touch.
- Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the oven to restore their softness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the combination of warm, soft bread and rich butter, and these Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls deliver just that! Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something fresh and comforting, this recipe will not disappoint. With simple ingredients, a bit of time, and some love, you can enjoy homemade rolls that are better than anything you’d find at the store.
So, go ahead—whip up a batch of these rolls for your next meal. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
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