Ready to bring some warmth to your morning? Let’s dive into how you can create these Breakfast Rolls from scratch.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir until all dry ingredients are well mixed.
2. Warm the milk until it’s lukewarm, about 110°F. Be cautious not to overheat it, as it can kill the yeast.
3. Add the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough begins to form.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you’re adding raisins or chocolate chips, gently knead them into the dough at this stage.
5. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This waiting time was when Mama Lou would tell us stories of her childhood, making the time fly by.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and transfer it back to the floured surface.
7. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each roll.
8. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time.
9. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. The aroma will be delightful, reminiscent of those early morning baking sessions with Ouma.
10. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best experience.