Ingredients
For active sourdough starter (½ cup):
1 tablespoon starter, ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 3½ tablespoons water (fed 12 hours before use until bubbly and doubled)
For the dough:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for brushing)
1 cup milk at room temperature (can substitute with non-dairy milk such as almond milk)
2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjustable, 1 tablespoon if reducing sweetness or using alternatives like honey or coconut sugar)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
½ cup active sourdough starter (bubbly and at peak)
3 cups plus 2 tablespoons bread flour, or all-purpose flour as a substitute
1 teaspoon salted butter for brushing after baking (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the starter: Feed the sourdough starter about 12 hours before mixing so it becomes bubbly and doubles in size.
2. Mix liquids: Melt the butter, then combine it with milk, sugar, and salt over low heat; stir until sugar dissolves and cool to room temperature.
3. Combine dough: In a mixing bowl, mix the liquid mixture with flour and the active starter until just combined. Cover with a damp towel and rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
4. Knead: Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a stand mixer dough hook on medium speed for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Bulk ferment: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let ferment at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, or until doubled in size. This slow fermentation develops flavor and texture.
6. Divide and shape: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces (~65 grams each). Shape each piece into a tight, smooth ball by pinching the sides and rolling on a smooth surface, placing each seam side down into a greased glass or ceramic baking dish.
7. Proof: Cover the rolls with a damp towel and let rise for 3-4 hours at room temperature, or until puffy and nearly doubled. Alternatively, cover rolls tightly and refrigerate for 8-24 hours; remove 3-5 hours before baking to proof at room temperature.
8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls on the upper third rack for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F. Metal pans can be used but may require baking at 400°F for a shorter time.
9. Finish: Brush hot rolls generously with melted butter before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥶 Kitchen temperature affects rise times: warmer kitchens speed up proofing, cooler ones require longer.
🥯 Use bread flour for fluffier rolls with better rise; all-purpose is a good substitute but yields a slightly denser crumb.
🌿 Shaping with tension (rolling tight balls and sealing seams) encourages good oven spring and round shape.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Total Fermentation Time: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 162
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
