Here’s a foolproof recipe for Soft Bread Rolls — pillowy, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or enjoying warm with butter. 🍞✨
🥖 Soft Bread Rolls (Dinner Roll Style)
🛒 Ingredients (makes 12 rolls)
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500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour or bread flour
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast or instant yeast
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250 ml (1 cup) warm milk (about 40–43°C / 105–110°F)
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50 g (1/4 cup) sugar
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1 tsp salt
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60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
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1 large egg
Optional for topping:
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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Sesame or poppy seeds
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Activate yeast (if using active dry yeast):
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In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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(Skip this step if using instant yeast — just mix everything together.)
2. Make the dough:
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In a large bowl (or mixer bowl), combine flour and salt.
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Add the foamy yeast mixture (or just warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast), egg, and softened butter.
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Mix and knead for about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–7 minutes in a stand mixer until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly tacky.
3. First rise:
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Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
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Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
4. Shape the rolls:
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Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
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Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on a baking tray lined with parchment, slightly spaced apart.
5. Second rise:
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Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
6. Bake:
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Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
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Optional: Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Cool and serve:
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Let cool slightly on a rack, then serve warm with butter — or use as burger buns or sandwich rolls.
📝 Tips & Variations
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Milk = softness: Use whole milk for the softest texture.
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Sweeter rolls? Add an extra tablespoon of sugar for a more brioche-like flavor.
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Freeze-friendly: Once cooled, freeze the rolls in a bag. Reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for 5–8 minutes.
Would you like a no-knead version or one made with whole wheat?