Ingredients for Soft Milk Bread Rolls
Main Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup warm milk (not hot)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For Brushing & Topping
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Why Milk Bread Uses Enriched Dough
Milk bread contains milk, egg, butter, and sugar, which:
- Tenderize the crumb
- Improve moisture retention
- Create a soft, stretchy dough
- Add subtle sweetness
This is why the bread looks and feels luxurious.
Activating the Yeast Properly
In a bowl, mix:
- Warm milk
- Sugar
- Yeast
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Foam = yeast is alive and ready.
If it doesn’t foam, the milk was too hot or yeast is old.
Mixing the Dough
Add to the yeast mixture:
- Egg
- Softened butter
- Salt
Mix lightly.
Gradually add flour, one cup at a time.
Once dough forms, transfer to a work surface.
Kneading for Maximum Softness
Knead for 10–12 minutes by hand or 8 minutes with a mixer.
The dough should become:
- Smooth
- Elastic
- Slightly sticky but not wet
Perform the windowpane test:
Stretch a small piece — it should stretch thin without tearing.
This step is critical for fluffy bread.
First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)
Place dough in a greased bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap or a towel.
Let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
A slow, full rise = better flavor and texture.
Dividing and Shaping the Dough
Punch down the dough gently.
Divide into equal portions (usually 12–16 balls).
Shape each into a smooth ball:
- Pull edges under
- Roll gently on the counter
Uniform size ensures even baking.
Arranging the Rolls
Place dough balls into a greased baking dish or tray.
Leave slight space between each.
As they rise, they will touch — creating that pull-apart effect.
Second Rise (Proofing)
Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
The dough should look:
- Puffy
- Light
- Almost doubled
Do not rush this step.
Egg Wash for Golden Shine
Mix:
- Egg yolk
- Milk
Brush gently over the rolls.
Sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.
This creates:
- Glossy tops
- Golden color
- Bakery finish
Baking the Rolls
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for 20–25 minutes.
They should be:
- Deep golden on top
- Soft to the touch
- Light when lifted
If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
Optional Butter Finish
When rolls come out hot:
- Brush lightly with melted butter
This keeps the tops soft and adds flavor.
Texture Inside the Bread
When you pull one roll apart, you’ll notice:
- Long, soft strands
- Moist crumb
- No dryness
Exactly like the image.
Why This Recipe Produces Extra-Fluffy Bread
Several key reasons:
- Proper kneading develops gluten
- Milk softens crumb
- Butter enriches dough
- Two rises improve structure
- Close placement creates steam between rolls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding Too Much Flour
Leads to dense bread.
Under-kneading
Results in weak structure.
Skipping Second Rise
Bread will be tight and heavy.
Overbaking
Dries out the interior.
Variations You Can Try
Cheese-Filled Rolls
Add cheese cubes inside each ball.
Sweet Milk Rolls
Add extra sugar and vanilla.
Garlic Butter Rolls
Brush with garlic butter after baking.
Stuffed Rolls
Fill with chocolate, cream, or dates.
How to Serve Milk Bread Rolls
Perfect for:
- Breakfast with butter or jam
- Dinner alongside soups
- Sandwich sliders
- Afternoon tea
They are incredibly versatile.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
- Store in airtight container
- Keeps soft for 2–3 days
Refrigerator
- Not recommended (dries bread)
Freezing
- Freeze baked rolls up to 2 months
- Reheat in oven for freshness
Reheating Tips
Warm rolls:
- In oven at low heat
- Microwave for 10 seconds
- Brush with butter after reheating
They become soft again instantly.
Why This Recipe Is Loved Worldwide
Milk bread is popular because it is:
- Comforting
- Foolproof
- Family-friendly
- Perfect for beginners
Once you make it, it becomes a go-to recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Ultra-Soft Pull-Apart Milk Bread perfectly matches the image you shared:
- Cloud-like texture
- Beautiful golden tops
- Soft enough to tear by hand