Easy soft and fluffy bread rolls Recipe

Easy Soft and Fluffy Bread Rolls: The Perfect Homemade Delight

Making bread at home is an incredibly satisfying and rewarding experience. There’s something almost magical about watching a few simple ingredients transform into golden, fluffy rolls that fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. These easy soft and fluffy bread rolls are perfect for a variety of uses—whether you’re looking for a delectable side dish for your soup, a base for your burgers, or a simple yet delicious sandwich bread. This recipe is straightforward and requires only a handful of ingredients, making it accessible even for novice bakers.

Ingredients and Nutritional Information

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need and their nutritional benefits.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk: This is the liquid base of the dough. Warm milk activates the yeast and creates a tender crumb.
• 10 g (2 tsp) instant yeast: Yeast is the leavening agent that makes the bread rise and gives it its airy texture.
• 1 tsp sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast, helping it to grow and activate more quickly.
• 3-4 cups flour: You can use cake, all-purpose, or bread flour. Each type of flour will slightly alter the texture of the rolls.
• 1½ tsp salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the bread.
• 1 large egg: Eggs add richness and structure to the dough.
• 1/4 cup butter, softened: Butter adds flavor and contributes to the bread’s soft texture.

For the egg wash:

• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for finishing)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 215kcal
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 447mg
• Potassium: 179mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 1g
• Calcium: 26mg
• Iron: 2mg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get started on making these delicious bread rolls.

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Start by whisking together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Allow this mixture to stand for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial as it indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic on your dough.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine 3 cups of flour and the salt. Keep the remaining flour aside to use later if needed.

3. Mix the Dough

With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the yeast mixture to the flour and salt. Allow it to mix until the dough starts coming together. Next, add the egg and let it beat into the dough. Once the egg is fully incorporated, add the softened butter, a little at a time, until it’s completely mixed in. The dough will be quite sticky at this stage.

4. Knead the Dough

Gradually add the remaining flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft, smooth, and just slightly sticky. It’s important not to add too much flour, as this can make the rolls dense. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

5. First Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp dish towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

6. Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out evenly, as they will rise further.

7. Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a damp towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise will ensure that the rolls are light and fluffy.

8. Preheat the Oven

While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

9. Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the top of each roll with the egg wash, which will give them a beautiful, shiny crust once baked. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

10. Finish with Butter

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter. This step not only adds a delicious flavor but also helps keep the crust soft.

11. Cool and Serve

Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your bread rolls turn out perfect every time:

• Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot. The ideal temperature is around 110°F (43°C). Hot milk can kill the yeast, while cold milk won’t activate it properly.
• Kneading: Proper kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure. The dough should be smooth and elastic when you’re done.
• Proofing Environment: Bread dough rises best in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is cold, you can create a warm environment by placing the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm stove.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the rolls as they bake. Overbaking can make them dry. They’re done when they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Variations

While this recipe makes classic soft and fluffy bread rolls, there are several variations you can try:

• Herbed Rolls: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or chives) to the dough for a savory twist.
• Cheese Rolls: Mix 1/2 cup of shredded cheese into the dough for cheesy rolls.
• Sweet Rolls: Increase the sugar to 3 tablespoons and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for slightly sweet rolls that are perfect for breakfast or brunch.