Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you perfect the art of baking soft and buttery homemade rolls. This delightful recipe is not only a household favorite but has also gained popularity among baking enthusiasts seeking to elevate their meals. The moment you pull these golden treasures from the oven, your home will be filled with warmth and comfort, reminiscent of family gatherings and holiday feasts. Homemade rolls provide a sense of nostalgia and make any occasion more special, offering a perfect way to bring everyone together.
One of the many advantages of making these soft and buttery rolls at home is the control you have over the ingredients. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences and incorporate fresh, quality ingredients. The resulting rolls are not only delicious but also healthier than store-bought options laden with preservatives. With minimal effort, you can achieve a bakery-quality result that will impress your family and friends, making them believe you’ve been baking for years!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions:
- Scald the Milk: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe container, heat the milk until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, sugar, and salt. Let the mixture cool until it’s lukewarm (below 110°F/45°C).
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in the warm water. Let it stand for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled milk mixture to the yeast mixture. Stir in 2 cups of bread flour and the beaten egg. Mix until smooth.
- Add Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining bread flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 18 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Brush with Butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter for a soft, flavorful finish.”