Fluffy, steamy, warm rolls will make anyone rethink the bread on the table just being an afterthought. These rolls are deserving of the center spot on any table. They are soft, fluffy, and will make you realize just how simple bread baking can be.
To make soft, fluffy rolls requires a rich dough which is why we use both butter and milk for the dough. In addition to the butter and milk, instant yeast is what gives these rolls the classic fluffy texture. Instant yeast is easy to work with and bread can be made in a matter of hours versus days.
Tips for the perfect fluffy rolls:
- Don’t add too much flour: in order to keep the rolls fluffy, make sure to just add enough flour to knead the dough. We find it easier to do this using a stand mixer with a dough attachment. This allows the kneading to occur without needing to add too much flour.
- Let them rise long enough: There are two rises during the process. The first rise is in the bowl (before shaping). During the first rise the dough should double in size. After this rise, the dough is punched down and then shaped. After shaping into rolls, place them in the pan and allow them to rise again.
- Bake until just golden: If the rolls are over cooked they will be dry inside. Be sure to keep an eye on them and remove them after they are golden on top.
Fluffy Roll Ingredients:
This recipe comes together with just a few ingredients:
- Whole milk: It is important to warm the milk to just below 120 degrees F. Any higher than that will kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly.
- Instant yeast: Instant yeast is a fast-acting yeast that does not need to be activated before using it in the recipe. However, it is important to use the amount specified in the recipe to ensure that the dough rises properly.
- Sugar: The sugar in this recipe acts as food for the yeast, helping it to grow and ferment the dough.
- Egg: The egg adds richness and flavor to the dough, as well as helping to bind the ingredients together.
- Butter: Softened butter adds richness and flavor to the dough. We use salted butter in this recipe.
- Salt: Salt is important in bread recipes as it enhances the flavor and helps to control the growth of yeast.
- All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is used in this recipe because it contains a moderate amount of protein, which is important for developing the gluten in the dough, while remaining soft and fluffy.
- Flaky Salt: Flaky sea salt is used to sprinkle on top of the rolls after baking. It adds texture and flavor to the rolls.
Steps for fluffy bread rolls:
- Make the dough: To make the dough there are two main steps: mixing and kneading. We find it easier to knead with the dough attachment in a kitchen aid but this step can also be done by hand. Know it will take a little bit of time (and muscles) to do by hand, but the dough should look like below by the end of the kneading process.
- First rise: The first rise after the dough is mixed but before it is divided and shaped. During this step, the dough remains in the buttered bowl with a towel over top in a warm but not hot place (a window sill or a few feet from a fire place.) During this rise, the dough should double in size. It should look like the below.
- Shaping: After the first rise, it is time to shape the dough. This recipe makes about 12 rolls, so at this step, we shape the dough in 12 even balls that are each ~2 oz. To do this, cut the dough in half and then cut each piece in half again continuing this process until there are 12 even pieces. After the pieces are divided, use your hands to shape each piece into a round shape.
- Second rise: After shaping, the second rise takes place until the rolls double in size again. To complete this rise, place each of the shaped dough balls into a buttered glass 9×13 inch baking dish. The balls should be evenly spaced apart as they will grow during the rise. After all the dough balls are placed into the pan, cover with a towel until they have doubled in size. They should look something like the below.
- Bake: After the dough has risen a second time, it is time to bake. Before baking we add an egg wash on top. After brushing with an egg wash, we bake them until they are golden brown. Once they are golden, remove them from the oven and brush with melted butter. After brushing with melted butter, we sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
Fluffy Rolls with Flaky Sea Salt
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk warmed to just under 120 degrees F
- 1 package instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup softened butter salted
- 1 teaspoon salt diamond or 1/2 teaspoon morton
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus a few tablespoons as needed
- 2 T melted salted butter
- Egg Wash: 1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon cream or milk
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Start by combining the warm milk, sugar, and yeast into a medium bowl. With a spoon, stir gently to combine and set aside for 5 minutes
- After 5 minutes, add the flour, salt, butter, egg and milk mixture into the base of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Beat on low until combined
- After it is combined, mix on medium for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, the dough should begin to pull away from the edges. At this stage, if the mixture seems like it would be impossible to knead by hand, add another tablespoon or two of flour until it is a kneadable consistency. Knead for 3 more minutes in the mixer (this can also be done by hand but is much easier in a mixer since it is a sticky dough)
- Once the dough is kneaded, grease a bowl with butter and add the dough. Cover with a towel and let rise for 90 minutes – 2 hours (until it has doubled in size)
- Grease a 9×13” glass baking dish. Set aside
- Punch down the dough and cut it into around 12 pieces (~2 oz each in weight). Using your hands, gently form each piece into a round ball. Place each rounded piece into the baking dish leaving even separation between each piece. Cover with a towel and let rise for 90 minutes or until doubled in size
- Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees F
- Brush the top of the rolls with egg wash and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown on top
- Remove the rolls from the oven and brush with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt
- Serve warm
Fluffy Rolls FAQ:
Q: Can I make the dough by hand instead of using a mixer?
A: Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. However, it may be a bit sticky and difficult to handle, so be sure to flour your hands and work surface well.
Q: How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
A: The dough should double in size after the first and second rise. You can tell if it has risen enough by gently poking it with your finger. If the indentation stays, the dough has risen enough.
Q: Can I make the rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the rolls ahead of time and freeze them. Once they are baked, let them cool completely and then freeze in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw them at room temperature and then warm them in the oven at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes.
