1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir to combine, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt.
- Add the activated yeast mixture to the bowl and stir until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a soft dough forms. You may not need all 4 cups, so add slowly until the dough is just slightly sticky but pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
3. Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Form the dough into a ball.
4. First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Rolls
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air.
- Divide the dough into 12–16 equal portions, shaping each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling it gently on a floured surface.
- Arrange the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, placing them close together so they’ll rise into each other as they bake, forming soft, pull-apart rolls.
6. Second Rise
- Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes until they have doubled in size and are puffed up.
7. Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
8. Brush with Butter
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and a beautiful shine.
Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls
- Check the Yeast: If your yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired or the milk was too hot. Start over with fresh yeast.
- Rising Time: If it’s cold in your kitchen, place the dough in a slightly warmed oven (around 90°F) to help it rise faster.
- Storage: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
These dinner rolls are soft, pillowy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you serve them with butter, jam, or as a side to your favorite meal, they’re sure to be a hit at any table!