Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup (60g) butter (softened)
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Melted butter (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate Yeast
If using instant yeast:
- Mix directly with flour
If using active yeast:
- Mix with warm milk + sugar
- Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl:
- Combine flour, sugar, salt
- Add yeast mixture
- Add egg and milk
Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Kneading
Add softened butter.
Knead for 10–15 minutes:
- Dough becomes smooth, elastic, slightly sticky
Tip:
- Use stretch-and-fold method if dough is sticky
Step 4: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl.
Cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down dough gently.
Divide into equal balls (8–10 pieces).
Shape each into smooth balls:
- Tuck edges underneath
- Roll gently
Place in a round baking pan close together.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
The balls should:
- Expand
- Touch each other
Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for 20–25 minutes until:
- Golden on top
- Soft and fluffy
Step 8: Finishing
Remove from oven and:
- Brush with butter for shine
- Dust with powdered sugar (optional)
Texture and Flavor
These rolls are:
- Extremely soft and fluffy
- Light and airy inside
- Slightly sweet
- Golden and delicate outside
Tips for Perfect Soft Bread
1. Use Warm Milk (Not Hot)
Too hot kills yeast.
2. Knead Properly
Good kneading = soft texture.
3. Don’t Add Too Much Flour
Sticky dough = softer bread.
4. Proper Rising Time
Under-proof → dense
Over-proof → collapses
Variations
1. Filled Rolls
Add chocolate, cream, or cheese inside.
2. Savory Version
Add herbs, garlic, or cheese.
3. Sweet Version
Add vanilla and extra sugar.
4. Coconut Version
Add coconut milk and flakes.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Butter 🧈
- Jam 🍓
- Honey 🍯
- Chocolate spread 🍫
Perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Storage
- Room temp: 2 days
- Freeze: up to 1 month
Reheating
- Warm slightly in oven or microwave
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Too much flour → dense bread
- ❌ Not kneading enough → poor texture
- ❌ Skipping second rise → not fluffy
- ❌ Overbaking → dry bread
Why This Recipe Works
- Milk enriches dough
- Butter adds softness
- Proper kneading develops gluten
- Double rise creates airy texture
Final Thoughts
These soft milk bread rolls are one of the best homemade breads you can make. They’re light, fluffy, and melt in your mouth—just like bakery-style buns.
Once you try them, you’ll realize how easy it is to make soft, perfect bread at home with simple ingredients.