Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- Warm the Milk: In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (45°C). It should be warm to the touch but not hot.
- Add the Yeast and Sugar: Sprinkle the active dry yeast and sugar over the warm milk. Stir gently to combine and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This is a sign the yeast is activated and ready to use.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the egg, melted butter, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on low speed. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon.
- Knead the Dough: Once the dough starts to come together, knead it for about 6-8 minutes (or 4-5 minutes in the stand mixer) until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 3: First Rise
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
- Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.
- Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces for large rolls or 16 pieces for smaller ones.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball by cupping your hand over the dough and gently rolling it on a clean surface.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls on a greased baking sheet or in a greased round cake pan, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Cover and Rise Again: Cover the shaped rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutesuntil puffy and nearly doubled in size.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush with Butter: Once the rolls have risen, gently brush the tops with melted butter for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
Step 7: Serve
- Brush with More Butter: Once the rolls are out of the oven, brush them again with melted butter for extra softness and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve the rolls warm with butter, honey, or alongside your favorite meal!
Tips for Perfect Soft Dinner Rolls
- Warm Environment: If your kitchen is cool, place the dough in a slightly warm oven (preheated to 200°F, then turned off) to help it rise.
- Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on the rolls during baking. Over-baking can make them dry. Once they turn golden brown, they are ready!
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dough balls after shaping. Just let them thaw and rise before baking.
Conclusion
These Soft Dinner Rolls are sure to become a staple in your home. Their light and airy texture, combined with a golden-brown crust and buttery flavor, makes them the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, they’re bound to be a hit.
Stay Connected
For more delightful bread recipes, subscribe to our newsletter and share your Soft Dinner Rolls creations with us using #SoftDinnerRolls. Happy baking!