Soft Milk Bread Rolls

Description
Soft Milk Bread is known for its incredibly tender crumb and slightly sweet, rich flavor. Brushed with egg wash and topped with sesame seeds, these rolls bake to a beautiful golden brown with a soft, airy texture inside. This recipe is simple, reliable, and ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Dough:
4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240ml) warm milk (not hot)
2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
¼ cup (50g) sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
For Topping:
1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
1–2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
   In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough
   Add the egg, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
3. Add Butter
   Incorporate the softened butter and continue kneading for another 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes soft, elastic, and slightly sticky.
4. First Rise
   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each into a log and place them side-by-side in a greased baking dish.
6. Second Rise
   Cover and let the shaped dough rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
7. Egg Wash & Topping
   Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
8. Bake
   Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Cool & Serve
   Let the bread cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
   🍽️ Serving Suggestions
   Serve warm with butter and honey
   Use for sandwiches or sliders
   Pair with soups or salads
   Toast lightly for breakfast with jam
   💡 Tips & Notes
   Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast
   Kneading well is key to achieving soft and fluffy bread
   For extra softness, brush the bread with melted butter after baking
   Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage