Perfect Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls

2 Activate the Yeast
Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and stir it in. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. If using active dry yeast, make sure the yeast blooms. If the mixture doesn’t foam, the yeast may be inactive, and you may need to start over with fresh yeast.
3 Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, the egg, and the remaining ¼ cup of flour. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough forms a soft, slightly sticky ball.
4 Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much—this can make the rolls dense.
5 First Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6 Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, placing them close together to encourage soft, pull-apart rolls.
7 Second Rise
Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other.
8 Bake the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. The internal temperature of the rolls should reach about 190°F (88°C) when done.
9 Brush with Butter
Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for a shiny, soft finish. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.