Ingredients
For the dough
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose or bread flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons soft butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
For brushing
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (egg wash)
- Melted butter (after baking)
🥛 Why milk bread is softer
Milk is the secret.
Using milk instead of water makes the dough:
- softer
- richer
- slightly sweet
- longer lasting
The fats and proteins in milk create that fluffy bakery texture you see in the photo.
This is why these rolls look smooth and shiny and not dry like regular bread.
🌡 Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, combine:
- warm milk
- sugar
- yeast
Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes.
You should see bubbles or foam on top. That means your yeast is alive and working.
If nothing happens, your yeast may be old or the milk too hot.
Warm, not hot, is key.
🥣 Mix the dough
Add:
- egg
- butter
- oil
- salt
Mix well.
Now slowly add the flour little by little while stirring.
Once it becomes thick, switch to kneading by hand.
✋ Knead until smooth
Kneading develops gluten, which gives bread structure and softness.
Push the dough forward with your palm, fold back, rotate, repeat.
Knead for about 8–10 minutes.
At first it feels sticky. Keep going. It will become smooth and elastic.
When ready:
- soft like a pillow
- stretchy
- not sticky
If too sticky, add only a tiny bit of flour.
Don’t add too much or rolls become dense.
⏳ First rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
Cover with towel or plastic wrap.
Let rise in warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
This step creates air bubbles that make rolls fluffy.
If your kitchen is cold, place bowl inside oven with light on.
🔪 Shape the rolls
Once risen, gently punch down to remove extra air.
Divide into equal pieces (8–12 rolls depending on size).
For perfect rolls, weigh them.
Shape each piece by folding edges inward and rolling into smooth balls.
Tight surface = better rise and shape.
Place them in a greased baking pan close together like in the photo.
They should touch slightly. This helps them rise upward instead of spreading.
⏳ Second rise
Cover again and let rest 30–40 minutes.
You’ll see them puff up and almost double.
This second rise is what makes them super soft and airy.
Don’t skip it.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
🥚 Egg wash for shine
Mix egg yolk with milk.
Brush gently on top of each roll.
This gives:
- shiny surface
- deep golden color
- beautiful bakery look
This is exactly how you get that glossy finish in your picture.
🔥 Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes.
Watch for:
- golden brown tops
- light hollow sound when tapped
- soft sides
Don’t overbake or they become dry.
Every oven is different, so check around 18 minutes.
🧈 Butter finish
Right after baking, brush melted butter on top.
This keeps them soft and adds rich flavor.
Also makes them smell incredible.
This step is optional but highly recommended.
❄️ Cool slightly
Let them cool 5–10 minutes.
Then pull apart and enjoy warm.
The inside should be:
- fluffy
- stretchy
- soft like cotton
Pure bread heaven.
😍 Texture and taste
These rolls are:
- super light
- soft and pillowy
- buttery
- slightly sweet
- golden outside
- cloud-like inside
You can literally squish them and they bounce back.
That’s how soft they are.
🍽 Serving ideas
These rolls are extremely versatile:
Breakfast with butter and jam
Mini sandwiches
Burgers or sliders
Soup side dish
BBQ meals
Holiday dinners
Or just warm with honey
Honestly… they disappear fast.
Make extra 😄
❄️ Storage tips
Room temperature: 2–3 days in airtight bag
Fridge: up to 5 days
Freezer: 2 months
To reheat:
- microwave 10–15 seconds
or - oven 3–5 minutes
They become soft again instantly.
🔥 Variations
You can customize easily:
Add cheese inside
Stuff with chocolate
Garlic butter topping
Sesame seeds
Whole wheat mix
Herbs or spices
Make sweet cinnamon rolls
This dough is very flexible.
⭐ Pro tips for perfect rolls
Use warm milk only
Knead properly
Don’t rush rising
Brush egg wash gently
Don’t overbake
Brush butter after baking
Small details make huge difference.
❤️ Final thoughts
Homemade milk bread rolls are one of those recipes that make you feel like a real baker. Simple ingredients turn into soft, golden, fluffy clouds that taste better than anything from the store.
They’re comforting, versatile, and perfect for any meal.