Optional: egg wash for a shiny top just before baking
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, butter, and the egg.
4-5 Cups All-Purpose Flour, 2 Tablespoons Instant Yeast, 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 Teaspoon Salt, 1 ½ Cups Whole Milk, 5 Tablespoons Butter, 1 Large Egg
Mix the Dough. Attach the dough hook to a stand mixer and turn the mixer onto the lowest speed. Mix until the flour is incorporated. Making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Then increase the speed to medium and continue to mix for another 2 minutes.
Add more flour. Add ½ cup flour and continue to blend with the dough hook until well incorporated. Add another ½ cup of flour and mix until incorporated. Then mix for another 2 minutes until a ball of dough is formed.
You may need to add a few tablespoons if the dough is too sticky. It should be just slightly sticky, yet soft and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
First Rise. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Shape the Rolls. Punch down the dough and divide dough into 24 dough balls. Arrange them in a prepared pan, baking sheet, or baking dish, leaving space between. Cover again for a second rise in a warm area for 30-45 minutes.
Baking. Brush rolls with egg wash if desired. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place a rack in the middle (oven rack). Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. When you tap on the rolls, they should sound hollow when done.
Optional: egg wash for a shiny top just before baking
Remove the rolls and while still hot. Brush with melted butter. Serve while still warm.
If this is your first time making homemade rolls or any yeast bread, don’t worry. These easy yeast rolls are beginner-friendly. A few tips can make your baking experience much smoother.
Warm liquids matter. Make sure your warm milk and warm water are around 105–110°F. Too hot can kill the yeast, too cold slows it down.
Measure flour carefully. Avoid much flour, which can make rolls dense.
Kneading helps. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for convenience, or a floured surface if kneading by hand. The goal is a smooth ball of dough.
Rising is essential. Give your dough time to rise in a warm area. The first rise should double the dough, and the second rise lets your rolls become fluffy and buttery.
Always use room temperature eggs and warm milk to help your yeast activate.
Don’t add much flour at once; the dough should be soft dough, not stiff.
A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier, but kneaded dough by hand works too.
For pull-apart rolls, place dough balls close together in the prepared pan.
Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Serve warm straight from the oven for maximum softness.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container or freezer bag for enjoyment of next day.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even seasoned bakers encounter small hiccups. Here’s how to fix common yeast bread issues:
Dense rolls. Usually caused by too much flour or short rising time. Ensure the dough doubles during first rise.
Sticky dough. Add a little flour gradually while kneading. The dough should be soft, not stiff.
Rolls spreading too much. Shape dough balls properly and place them slightly apart in a prepared pan or baking dish.
Uneven browning. Check your oven rack placement. Middle works best for golden brown rolls.