Quick Description
These dinner rolls are ultra-soft, pillowy, buttery, and have that perfect golden shiny top. Ideal for sandwiches, sliders, breakfasts, or serving with soups and curries.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For Brushing
- 2 tbsp melted butter (after baking)
- Optional: 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash for shine before baking)
Instructions
1. Activate Yeast (if using active dry)
Mix warm milk + 1 tbsp sugar + yeast.
Let it foam for 5–10 minutes.
(If using instant yeast, skip activation.)
2. Make the Dough
In a bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Remaining sugar
- Salt
Add:
- Melted butter
- Egg
- Yeast mixture
Mix until it forms a sticky dough.
3. Knead the Dough
Knead 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer.
The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
4. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl and cover.
Let rise 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough.
Divide into 12–15 equal pieces.
Shape each into a tight ball by pulling edges under.
Place into a greased baking dish, slightly spaced apart.
6. Second Rise
Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy and touching each other.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush tops with egg wash for deep shine.
Bake 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
8. Brush With Butter
As soon as you take them out, brush generously with melted butter to get that glossy, photo-perfect finish.
Tips for Perfect Rolls
✔ Warm milk — NOT hot
✔ Don’t add too much flour (keeps them soft)
✔ Knead until smooth
✔ Let dough rise fully for fluffy texture
✔ Butter after baking = shine + softness
Storage
- Room temp: 3 days (covered)
- Freeze: up to 2 months
- Reheat: 10 seconds in microwave
Optional Variations
- Garlic butter rolls: Brush with garlic butter after baking
- Sweet rolls: Add extra 2 tbsp sugar
- Milk bread style: Replace 2 tbsp flour with milk powder
