Milk Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making Milk Rolls because they’re incredibly soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet—just perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to any meal. These rolls have a pillowy texture thanks to the milk-enriched dough, and they stay fresh and tender for days. Whether I serve them plain, with a bit of butter and jam, or use them to make mini sandwiches, they’re always a hit. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and far better than store-bought. Once you’ve baked them fresh, you’ll never go back to packaged rolls again.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 45°C)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tablespoons milk (for brushing)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, the egg, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls:

5. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions.

6. Shape the Rolls: Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space between each one.

7. Second Rise: Cover the tray loosely with a towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Bake:

8. Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

9. Brush with Milk: Before baking, gently brush the tops of the rolls with a bit of milk for a soft, golden finish.

10. Bake the Rolls: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped underneath.

Serve:

11. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 milk rolls. The prep time is about 20 minutes, rising time is 1.5–2 hours, and baking takes around 15–18 minutes. Total time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Variations

If I want a sweeter version, I sometimes add a touch more sugar and a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking. For a savory twist, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough, or fill them with cheese for a surprise inside. They’re also perfect for slider buns or picnic sandwiches.

Storage/Reheating

Milk rolls stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can! Just mix it directly into the flour and skip the proofing step. The rise time may be slightly shorter.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be a bit denser.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

You can use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and vegan butter substitutes. The result will still be soft and delicious!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, shape the rolls, then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise again before baking.

What can I serve these rolls with?

They’re perfect with soup, salad, or grilled meats—or just with butter and jam for a cozy breakfast.

Conclusion

Milk Rolls are soft, tender, and wonderfully simple to make. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or pulling a batch from the freezer, these rolls deliver comforting, bakery-style results every time. Great for everyday meals or special occasions, once you bake them, you’ll want to make them again and again!

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