If you’ve been on the hunt for irresistibly tender and sweet bread rolls, look no further because this Best Condensed Milk Bread Rolls (Soft & Fluffy) Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These rolls boast a beautifully soft texture and a subtle sweetness thanks to the magic of condensed milk—making them perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a delightful side to any meal. What makes this recipe so special is how it transforms basic pantry ingredients into pillowy clouds of bread, simple enough to fit into your schedule but impressive enough to steal the show on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating these delectable rolls. Each component holds a crucial role in achieving that signature softness, rich flavor, and golden crust that make this recipe a standout. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why:
- Lukewarm milk (2/3 cups): Activates the yeast and contributes to the dough’s tender crumb.
- Dried active yeast (2 tsp): Helps the bread rise into fluffy perfection.
- All-purpose flour (2.5 cups): The foundation providing structure to your rolls.
- Sugar (2 tsp): Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness for balance.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1/4 cup): The secret ingredient that infuses moistness and rich sweetness.
- Softened butter (4 tbsp): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the dough; salted butter works wonderfully here.
- Milk for brushing (1.5 tbsp): Creates a gorgeous golden sheen when brushed on top before baking.
- Butter for brushing on baked rolls: Adds that luscious finishing touch with a glossy, buttery top.
How to Make Best Condensed Milk Bread Rolls (Soft & Fluffy) Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by mixing the lukewarm milk, dried active yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. This simple mix needs to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it froths up nicely. This frothy sign means your yeast is alive and kicking, ready to turn your dough into lofty bread rolls that will melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter
In the bowl of your stand mixer, toss in the flour, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and softened butter. Mixing these dry and rich ingredients sets the foundation for the dough that promises softness and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Bring Your Dough Together
Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir with a spatula until all ingredients form a scraggy, rough dough. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy at this point; it’s all part of the magic before kneading transforms it.
Step 4: Rest the Dough
Cover your dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This rest allows the flour to hydrate fully and the butter to integrate, making the dough easier to knead and resulting in a tender crumb.
Step 5: Knead to Soft Perfection
Using your stand mixer, knead the dough at a slow speed for 3 to 4 minutes to develop gluten gently. Then crank the speed to medium or high and knead for another 10 to 12 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, slightly sticky, and pulls away from the bowl’s edges cleanly. This is the texture sweet bread dreams are made of.
Step 6: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and place it somewhere warm and draft-free. Let it rise for about 60 minutes or until it doubles in size, a sure sign that your bread rolls will be airy and fluffy.
Step 7: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface, and shape it into a log. Divide this log into nine equal pieces—using a scale to measure out 76-77 grams each works perfectly. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them on a parchment-lined 9″x9″ pan. This step sets them up for an even bake and uniform softness.
How to Serve Best Condensed Milk Bread Rolls (Soft & Fluffy) Recipe
Garnishes
A light brush of butter on the freshly baked rolls instantly elevates their appearance and flavor, giving them a glossy finish and that irresistible richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle with a touch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar for contrasting tastes that delight the palate.
Side Dishes
These soft, sweet rolls pair beautifully with savory soups like creamy tomato basil or classic chicken noodle. They’re also perfect for scooping up dips such as garlic butter or cheesy spreads, making every meal a comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these rolls into dreamy sliders by stuffing them with ham and cheese or whipped cream and jam for a sweet twist. For brunch, serve them warm with a side of whipped honey butter and fresh fruit to add color and flavor to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Freshly baked rolls are best enjoyed the same day, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft, but be sure to avoid refrigerating as this can dry them out faster.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them up to bring back that freshly baked softness.
Reheating
To refresh your Best Condensed Milk Bread Rolls (Soft & Fluffy) Recipe, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 15 seconds wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. The moisture helps restore that pillowy texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step with lukewarm milk and sugar—just mix it directly with your flour and other ingredients. It will still give you wonderfully soft rolls, though the proofing time might be slightly shorter.
Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk? Can I substitute it?
Sweetened condensed milk is key to the texture and sweetness in this recipe, so while you could try using regular milk with some extra sugar, the characteristic softness and flavor might not be quite the same. For the best results, stick to the condensed milk.
Can I make the dough by hand instead of using a stand mixer?
Yes! Mixing and kneading by hand works well, but it requires about 15 to 20 minutes of kneading to reach that smooth, elastic dough stage. It’s a great workout and very satisfying when you feel the dough transform.
How do I know when the dough has doubled in size?
An easy way is to gently press your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, the dough has proofed enough and is ready for shaping. If it springs back quickly, give it a bit more time in a warm spot.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins like herbs or cheese?
Definitely! Adding fresh herbs, garlic powder, or small bits of cheese to the dough before kneading can give these rolls a savory twist. Just be mindful not to add too much moisture, which could affect the dough’s consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade bread that fills your kitchen with warmth and invites everyone at the table to dig in. This Best Condensed Milk Bread Rolls (Soft & Fluffy) Recipe is a wonderful tribute to simple ingredients transformed into something luxuriously soft and delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and experience the joy of baking these irresistible rolls that feel like a hug in every bite.
Print
Best Condensed Milk Bread Rolls (Soft & Fluffy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 Rolls
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
These Best Condensed Milk Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet dinner rolls made from simple pantry ingredients. Featuring the subtle sweetness of condensed milk and a tender crumb, these Japanese-inspired rolls are perfect for serving alongside any meal or enjoying on their own. The recipe involves activating yeast, mixing, kneading, proofing, shaping, and baking to achieve pillowy, bakery-quality results at home.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cups Milk, lukewarm
- 1/4 cup Sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tbsp Butter, softened (salted butter used)
- 1.5 tbsp Milk (for brushing on top before baking)
- Butter (for brushing on top of baked rolls)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tsp Dried active yeast
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Sugar
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Mix and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients and butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the all-purpose flour, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and softened butter. Stir these to begin combining the dough.
- Add activated yeast mixture: Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and combine using a spatula until a scraggy dough forms.
- First rest: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes. This helps the flour absorb moisture and relaxes the gluten.
- Knead the dough: Using the stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, knead the dough at slow speed for 3-4 minutes, then increase to medium-high speed and knead for 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, slightly sticky, and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
- First rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Let it rise for about 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare pan: Line a 9″ x 9″ square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Shape the dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to deflate it and turn it onto a clean work surface. Shape it into a log and divide it into 9 equal pieces, approximately 76-77 grams each, using a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Form rolls: Roll each dough piece into a smooth ball and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking pan.
- Second rise and bake: (Assuming from typical bread roll recipes) Cover the shaped rolls with a towel and let them rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes. Brush the tops with milk before baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20 minutes until golden brown. Once baked, brush immediately with butter for a soft, shiny finish.
Notes
- Use lukewarm milk to activate yeast effectively without killing it.
- Ensure the dough is slightly sticky but soft for the best texture.
- Precise weighing of dough pieces helps achieve evenly sized rolls that bake uniformly.
- Brushing the rolls with milk before baking gives them a golden crust, while butter brushing after baking adds richness and shine.
- Keep the dough warm during rising for optimal yeast activity.
- If you don’t have a kitchen scale, divide the dough into roughly equal pieces by eye.
