Correct Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe(Exactly like the golden, shiny pull-apart rolls in your photo)

This recipe makes 12–16 soft, fluffy dinner rolls.
They are light, slightly sweet, and stay soft for days.

Ingredients

Dough

• 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk, lukewarm (35–40°C / 95–105°F)
• 60 ml (¼ cup) sweetened condensed milk
  (or replace with 3 tbsp sugar + 2 tbsp extra milk if you prefer)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 7 g (2 tsp) instant yeast or active dry yeast
• 400–420 g (3¼ – 3½ cups) bread flour or strong all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• 50–60 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, softened

For brushing (the shiny golden top)

• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)
  or
• 2–3 tbsp melted butter mixed with 1 tbsp condensed milk (for extra shine)

Method

1. Make the dough
   In a large bowl, mix lukewarm milk, condensed milk, egg, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy (if using active dry yeast).
   Add flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
   Add the softened butter and knead for 8–12 minutes (by hand or stand mixer) until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. It should be slightly sticky but not wet.
2. First rise
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
3. Shape the rolls
   Gently deflate the dough and divide into 12–16 equal pieces (about 50–60 g each).
   Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges under.
   Arrange the balls in a greased rectangular or square baking pan (or on a baking tray), leaving a little space between them so they can touch while rising (this creates the pull-apart look).
4. Second rise
   Cover and let rise for 40–60 minutes until puffy and almost doubled. The rolls should be touching each other.
5. Bake
   Preheat oven to 175–180°C (350°F).
   Gently brush the tops with egg wash or the condensed milk-butter mixture.
   Bake for 18–22 minutes until the tops are deep golden brown.
6. Finish
   While still hot, brush again with a little melted butter or condensed milk glaze for that beautiful shiny finish.
   Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Tips for perfect rolls

• Soft sticky dough = softer rolls. Avoid adding too much flour.
• For extra softness, you can use the tangzhong method (cook 3 tbsp flour + ½ cup milk/water into a thick paste and add it to the dough).
• These freeze very well — just reheat in the oven or microwave.

Enjoy your soft, golden dinner rolls!