Step 1

Proof Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, oil and yeast. Let the mixture sit until very bubbly and frothy (about 5-8 minutes). If the mixture isn’t frothy, start over with new yeast.

Step 2

Meanwhile, Warm Oven: Adjust oven rack to lower 1/3 position. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Once preheated, immediately TURN OFF THE OVEN and keep the oven door closed. Lightly grease a quarter sheet pan or 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside.

Step 3

Prepare Dough: Fit the paddle attachment to the mixer. Add the remaining sugar, egg, 4 TBS of butter, salt and 3 cups of flour. Mix on low speed for 1 minute. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl. Continue to mix on low until the dough is well mixed, cohesive and starts to come together, about 2 minutes.

Step 4

Knead: Switch to the dough hook. Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into small cubes and add it to the dough. Continue to mix on low until the butter is incorporated and the dough is smooth, elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 5-6 minutes. NOTE: The dough should be thick, yet soft and slightly sticky. If the dough is too sticky to handle and doesn’t pull away from the sides of the bowl when mixing, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Don’t add TOO MUCH flour – you want fluffy rolls, not dense rolls.

Step 5

Form rolls: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and sprinkle the top of the dough with a little more flour. Use your hands or a rolling pin to very gently shape the dough into a rectangle. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 15 even pieces. With floured hands, roll and shape each piece into a ball by pulling down on the sides and pinching to seal underneath – they don’t need to be perfect! Transfer the balls to the greased pan – spacing them out evenly. Cover the pan with a large sheet of parchment paper.

Step 6

Quick Rise: Transfer the pan to the slightly warm oven. Let the dough rise for 15 minutes. Remove the dough from the oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 7

Brush with Butter & Bake: Remove the kitchen towel and parchment paper from the rolls. Very gently brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter – be careful not to press down and deflate the delicate rolls. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are just golden.

Step 8

Serve: When rolls are done baking, generously brush melted butter or honey butter onto each warm roll. Sprinkle rolls with flakey sea salt and serve with more butter on the side. Enjoy!