MILK BRIOCHE ROLLS

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### 1. **Activate the Yeast**
Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir gently to dissolve. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired, and you should try with fresh yeast.

#### 2. **Make the Dough**
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Using a dough hook, mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

#### 3. **First Rise**
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you’re short on time, you can speed up the rising process by placing the bowl in a warm oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water underneath.

#### 4. **Shape the Rolls**
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12-16 equal pieces (depending on how large you want your rolls). Shape each piece into a ball by rolling it between your palms and place the dough balls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, or a round cake pan for a tighter roll. Ensure they are placed close together for soft, pillowy rolls.

#### 5. **Second Rise**
Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are touching each other.

#### 6. **Prepare the Egg Wash**
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the rolls gently with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish. If you like, you can drizzle a little honey over the rolls for an extra touch of sweetness.

#### 7. **Bake the Rolls**
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Keep an eye on them toward the end to ensure they don’t over-bake, as every oven is different.

#### 8. **Cool and Serve**
Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with a dollop of butter, or alongside your favorite meal!

### Why These Milk Brioche Rolls Are So Special

– **Soft and Fluffy Texture:** The key to perfect brioche rolls is the combination of butter, milk, and eggs, which create a light, airy texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
– **Buttery Flavor:** With butter mixed right into the dough and an egg wash that gives a golden, shiny finish, these rolls are rich and buttery, making them a delicious treat on their own or paired with a savory dish.
– **Versatile:** These rolls can be served with virtually any meal, from stews and soups to a classic roast dinner or even breakfast. They’re also perfect for sandwiches or sliders.
– **Homemade and Heartwarming:** There’s something extra special about homemade bread. The warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is a simple pleasure that brings joy to both the cook and the eater.

### Customizations and Variations

While these milk brioche rolls are delightful on their own, you can easily customize them to suit your taste:

– **Add Herbs or Cheese:** For a savory twist, try adding chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. You can also mix in shredded cheese, like Parmesan or cheddar, for a cheesy touch.
– **Sweet Brioche Rolls:** If you want to turn these into a sweet treat, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the rolls before baking, or drizzle with a simple glaze after they’re out of the oven.
– **Stuffed Rolls:** For a more indulgent version, you can fill these rolls with your favorite fillings, such as chocolate, Nutella, or fruit preserves. Roll them up and bake as usual.

### Tips for Success

1. **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing, as this will help the dough come together more easily and create a smoother texture.
2. **Don’t Rush the Rising Time:** Let the dough rise properly for both the first and second rise. Rushing these steps will affect the texture and fluffiness of the rolls.
3. **Brush with Egg Wash Twice:** For an extra glossy, golden finish, consider brushing the rolls with the egg wash once before baking and again halfway through for a double shine.
4. **Serve Fresh:** Brioche rolls are best served fresh out of the oven or within a few hours of baking. However, they can also be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days or frozen for later use.

### Final Thoughts

**Milk Brioche Rolls** are the epitome of comfort food, combining the richness of butter with the softness of a perfect brioche dough. These rolls are sure to elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy these decadent, homemade rolls that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start baking these irresistible milk brioche rolls today!