Description
These homemade dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Made with warm milk, active dry yeast, sugar, butter, and sea salt, these classic rolls rise to a perfect golden brown in the oven and are brushed with a buttery, salty topping for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1¼ cups milk, warmed
- 1 (¼-ounce) package active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (375g), plus more for kneading
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Proof the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Allow the mixture to proof for 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy. If it doesn’t foam, discard and restart with fresh yeast.
- Mix Dough: Add the remaining tablespoon of sugar, melted butter, and sea salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed to combine. Gradually add the flour in three additions, mixing on low speed until mostly combined after each addition.
- Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for 2 minutes until the dough forms a cohesive, slightly sticky ball that pulls away from the bottom and slaps the sides of the bowl.
- First Rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times to form a smooth ball. Brush a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Lightly oil a baking sheet or 9×13-inch baking dish. Deflate the dough gently and turn it out onto a clean surface. Divide into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball by rolling with a cupped hand. Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet, dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking, then cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through baking for even color.
- Add Topping: Mix melted butter with a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. Brush this over the warm rolls before serving for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- If your dough is too sticky to handle, add flour gradually but avoid adding too much to keep rolls soft.
- For softer crusts, cover the rolls with a damp towel as they cool.
- You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping; thaw and let rise before baking.
- Brush the rolls with additional melted butter before serving for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
