Easy bread rolls

Method

• step 1

  Put the flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a large bowl and stir together

• step 2

  Melt the butter very gently in a pan then add the milk and heat until just lukewarm.

• step 3

  Gradually stir the liquid into the flour mixture, bringing together into a soft dough. Knead in the bowl a few times then tip out onto a worksurface and knead for 8-10 minutes or until silky smooth and springy. Try not to add too much extra flour when kneading – it might start off a bit sticky but as you work the dough it should get smoother and easier to handle.

• step 4

  Put the dough into a clean oiled bowl, cover and leave for an hour until doubled in size.

• step 5

  Tip the dough out of the bowl, knead briefly, then divide into eight and shape into round bread rolls. Dust a large baking sheet with flour and arrange the rolls on top with space between them. Cover with an oiled beeswax sheet or a lightly dampened clean tea towel and leave for another hour to prove.

• step 6

  Heat the oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Brush each roll lightly with milk, then bake for 18-20 minutes or until browned and sounding hollow when tapped on the bases. Cool and serve or store in an airtight container.