Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375F.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix warm water with yeast and 1/2 tsp sugar. Allow to proof until foamy; about 5 minutes. Add the powdered milk, 3 cups of flour, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, cream cheese, salt, and the yeast mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix until the dough begins to pull away from the side of the bowl, adding flour as needed to create a slightly sticky dough.

Step 3

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise for about an hour, or until it's doubled in size.

Step 4

Punch the dough down and turn it back onto the floured surface, and knead a few times. Cut the dough in half and roll each half until its 1/2" thick. Cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter. Place each piece around a lightly greased skillet. Cover and let it rise again until doubled in size.

Step 5

While the dough is rising, mix the melted butter with parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, remaining 2 tsp salt, and pepper.

Step 6

Brush the rolls generously with the garlic parmesan butter. Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes.