The Secret to Unbelievably Fluffy Milk Bread Dinner Rolls: Tangzhong Method

👩‍🍳 Instructions

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   1. Prepare the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together 2 tbsp flour and 1/4 cup water or milk until smooth. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a paste (like pudding). It should reach 149°F (65°C). Transfer to a small bowl, cover directly with plastic wrap, and let cool to room temperature.
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   2. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk and 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast over top. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
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   3. Mix Dough: Add the cooled Tangzhong, remaining sugar, salt, egg, and half of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with a dough hook until combined. Gradually add remaining flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on medium-low for 5 minutes.
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   4. Add Butter: With mixer running, add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, incorporating each before adding the next. Increase speed to medium and knead for 10-15 minutes until dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. (Dough will be soft and slightly tacky).
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   5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl. Transfer dough, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
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   6. Shape Rolls: Gently punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12-15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth, tight ball. Arrange in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
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   7. Second Rise: Cover pan loosely with plastic wrap and let rolls rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled.
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   8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the rise. Whisk egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk for egg wash. Gently brush tops of rolls. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown and internal temperature is 200-205°F (93-96°C).
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   9. Cool & Serve: Remove from oven. Optionally, brush with melted butter. Cool in pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.