old fashioned soft and buttery yeast rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)

For the Topping:

• 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour and salt.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and beaten eggs. Add the yeast mixture to this bowl. Stir until well combined.

1. Knead the Dough:

• Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add more flour, a little at a time, until the dough is manageable.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

1. First Rise:

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

1. Shape the Rolls:

• After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12-16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

1. Second Rise:

• Cover the shaped rolls with a cloth and let them rise again until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.

1. Bake the Rolls:

• Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

1. Brush with Butter:
   • Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter. This adds extra flavor and keeps the rolls soft.
2. Serve:
   • Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, perhaps with a little more butter or jam!

Tips:

• For an even softer roll, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• You can also add herbs or garlic to the melted butter for a flavorful twist.
• These rolls can be made in advance and frozen; just thaw and reheat before serving!

Enjoy your delicious homemade soft and buttery yeast rolls!