Soft Dinner Rolls

**Ingredients:**

– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg, room temperature
– 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)

*For Topping:*
– 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
– Optional: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt for topping

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
– Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, and the egg to the flour mixture.
– Mix until the dough comes together. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

2. **First Rise:**
– Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

3. **Shape the Rolls:**
– Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
– Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
– Place the balls of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
– If you want to create the dimpled shape, press your finger or the end of a wooden spoon into the center of each dough ball to create an indentation.

4. **Second Rise:**
– Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes, or until they are puffy.

5. **Bake the Rolls:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt.
– Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.

6. **Serve:**
– Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with more melted butter while still warm.
– Let them cool slightly before serving.

These soft dinner rolls are perfect for any meal, whether served warm with butter, used for sliders, or enjoyed with soups and salads. The texture is fluffy and tender, making them a favorite at the dinner table!