Soft Dinner Rolls

Soft dinner rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a pillowy texture and a hint of sweetness. Here’s a recipe to make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour
• Additional melted butter for brushing (optional)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Add flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition, until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You may not need to use all the flour.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Shape the rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to deflate it. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll.
7. Second rise: Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they double in size again.
8. Preheat the oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake: Once the rolls have finished rising, remove the plastic wrap or towel and bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
10. Brush with butter: Optional but highly recommended for extra flavor, brush the warm rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
11. Serve: Let the soft dinner rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter or your favorite spreads.

These soft dinner rolls are perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, roasted meats, or as part of a holiday meal. They also make delicious sliders or sandwiches. Enjoy!