Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 25g (2 tbsp) sugar
- 150g (0.6 cup) milk
- 3g (1 tsp) yeast
- 300g (2 cups) bread flour or wheat flour
- 3g (1/2 tsp) salt
- 28g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter (softened for the dough)
- 60g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter (melted for brushing or layering)
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and milk until combined.
- Add the yeast and allow the mixture to rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a mixer).
- Add the softened butter (28g) and continue kneading until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth again.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions (about 8–10 balls).
- Shape the dough balls and place them in a buttered baking dish or tray.
- Cover loosely with a towel and allow to rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the melted butter (60g) for a shiny, flavorful finish.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 90 minutes
- Bake Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: Makes 8–10 soft butter rolls
About This Recipe
This recipe creates pillow-soft, lightly sweetened butter rolls that melt in your mouth. The dough is enriched with egg, sugar, milk, and butter, which not only give the rolls a delicate crumb but also a subtle sweetness that makes them taste almost like a dessert. They’re versatile enough to be served warm with a slab of butter, used for sandwiches, or enjoyed on their own. Their rich, yeasty aroma while baking fills the kitchen with comforting, bakery-style goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it produces incredibly fluffy, buttery rolls with a tender texture every time. It’s simple, uses only a few ingredients, and doesn’t require a mixer or complicated techniques. The dough is forgiving and easy to shape, and the final result is bakery-quality without needing to leave your home. Plus, it’s a perfect recipe for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even as a homemade gift.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
Soft, enriched bread rolls have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. This version draws inspiration from classic milk bread and brioche-style buns found in European and Asian bakeries. The combination of sugar, milk, and butter makes these rolls feel luxurious yet accessible. While the French have brioche, and the Japanese have shokupan, this recipe fuses elements from both for an easy, approachable homemade version.