Those 4-ingredient bread rolls sound like a baker’s dream—minimal ingredients with maximum fluffiness! Since you love full recipes, I’ve distilled that long article into a clean, professional format for your kitchen.
Here is your master recipe for 4-Ingredient Magic Bread Rolls.
4-Ingredient Magic Bread Rolls
Golden, pillowy, and beginner-friendly rolls that melt in your mouth.
-
Prep time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes rising)
-
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
-
Yields: 8–10 rolls
Ingredients
-
3 cups (375g) All-purpose flour (plus a little extra for dusting)
-
1 cup (240 ml) Warm milk (target $100^{\circ}F$ to $110^{\circ}F$)
-
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) Instant yeast
-
1 tbsp Granulated sugar
-
Optional: A pinch of salt (if your palate prefers) or melted butter for brushing.
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy on top.
Chef’s Note: If the milk is too hot (above $120^{\circ}F$), it will kill the yeast. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired.
2. Mix and Knead
Gradually add all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes. The goal is a dough that is smooth, elastic, and soft but not sticky.
3. First Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm, draft-free spot. Let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls
Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide it into 8 to 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover and let them rise a second time for 30 minutes.
5. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have puffed up, bake for 15–18 minutes until the tops are a beautiful golden brown.
Chef’s Tips for Success
-
The “Hollow” Test: To ensure they are done, tap the bottom of a roll; it should sound hollow.
-
Glossy Finish: For that bakery-style shine, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after pulling them out of the oven.
-
Storage: Store in an airtight bag for up to 3 days. To revive that “fresh-baked” feel, microwave for 10 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 8 minutes.
Variations
-
Garlic Herb: Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp dried Italian herbs to the flour.
-
Cheesy: Press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each ball before the second rise.