Here’s a recipe for Soft Bread Rolls that are fluffy, light, and perfect for dinner, sandwiches, or just enjoying with butter. These rolls are easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.
Soft Bread Rolls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (can use whole milk or 2%)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (optional, for brushing the rolls before baking)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes bubbly and foamy.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour and salt. Add the butter, milk, and yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You may not need all of the flour, or you might need a little more, depending on the humidity and flour type.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step (about 5-6 minutes on low speed).
4. First Rise:
- Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough in it. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a smooth ball by folding the dough under and pinching the seams together. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a round cake pan.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the pan with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffed up and touching each other.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Rolls:
- If you’d like a golden finish, beat the egg and brush it gently over the tops of the rolls before baking (optional).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with butter or your favorite toppings.
Tips:
- Fluffier Rolls: For extra softness, you can brush the rolls with melted butter after they come out of the oven.
- Add-ins: For added flavor, you can incorporate herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) into the dough, or even cheese for cheesy bread rolls.
- Storage: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in the oven for about 10 minutes.
These Soft Bread Rolls will be a hit at any meal, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven!