Start by combining warm water, warm milk, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the liquid and give it a gentle stir. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active and ready to go when it begins to bubble and form a foamy layer on top. This step is crucial—if your yeast doesn’t foam, it may be old or the water might be too hot, which can kill the yeast. Aim for liquids that are warm but not hot (around 110°F is ideal).
Once your yeast is active, add melted butter and a large egg. Stir these ingredients together until well combined. The butter and egg add richness and softness to the rolls, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Slowly mix in the flour and salt, starting with about 3 cups of flour and adding more as needed until a soft dough forms. You want a dough that’s soft and slightly sticky but not too wet. Be cautious not to add too much flour, as this can make the rolls dense and heavy.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading is essential as it helps develop gluten, giving structure to the rolls and making them soft and chewy. If you have a stand mixer, you can also knead the dough using the dough hook attachment.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. This rising time allows the dough to develop flavor and texture. Pro tip: If your kitchen is cool, you can create a warm environment by placing the bowl in the oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into 12-15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Properly shaped rolls will rise evenly and have a smooth, domed top.
Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they’re puffy. This second rise is what gives the rolls their light, airy texture, so don’t skip it!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. For an extra-soft finish, brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven.