Super Soft & Fluffy Dinner Rolls

🛒 Ingredients

325g Flour (Bread flour or All-purpose) 🌾
50g Butter (room temperature) 🧈
1 Egg (large) 🥚
150ml Milk (warm, but not hot) 🥛
30g Sugar 🍬
1 tsp Yeast (Instant or Active Dried) 🍞
1 1/4 tsp Salt 🧂

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast 🥛 In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. ➡️ Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough 🥣 Add the egg, salt, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. ➡️ Mix well, then gradually add the remaining flour. Add the softened butter and continue mixing until a sticky dough forms.
Knead for Softness 👐 Transfer the dough to a floured surface. ➡️ Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook for about 5–7 minutes.
First Rise 📈 Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. ➡️ Let it rise in a warm spot for about 45–60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls 🥯 Gently punch down the dough to release the air. ➡️ Divide it into 12–15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish (as seen in the photo).
Second Rise & Bake 🔥 Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes. ➡️ Preheat your oven to 180°C. Brush the tops with a little milk or egg wash, then bake for 15–20 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden brown.
The Buttery Finish ✨ Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the tops with a little extra melted butter for that signature shine and softness. ➡️

❓ Common Questions (Q&A)

Q: My dough is very sticky, should I add more flour? A: Try to avoid adding too much extra flour! ➡️ A slightly sticky dough actually results in a softer roll. If kneading by hand, just lightly flour your fingers. 🧤

Q: Can I use water instead of milk? A: You can, but milk is what gives these rolls their “rich” flavor and soft, tender crumb. 🥛➡️🥐

Q: Why didn’t my rolls rise? A: This usually happens if the milk was too hot (which can kill the yeast) or if the yeast is expired. ➡️ Ensure the milk feels like a warm bath, not a hot tea. 🌡️

Q: How do I keep them soft for the next day? A: Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight bag or container. ➡️ You can reheat them for 10 seconds in the microwave to bring back that “just-baked” fluffiness! 🕒

✨ Quick Tips

Warm Spot: If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise inside the oven (while it’s turned OFF) with the oven light turned on. 💡
Glass Dish: If using a glass baking dish like in the picture, keep an eye on the bottoms of the rolls to ensure they don’t brown too quickly! ➡️👀