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In a 2-cup sized bowl or cup, warm up cold water in the microwave for 40 seconds. The goal is to get the water warmer than warm, but not too hot. Ideally, water for yeast should be between 105-110 degrees to activate the yeast. Dissolve two teaspoons of sugar in the water completely, then add the yeast. Give it a quick stir and let the sugar water do it’s magic (about 10 minutes).
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Warm up the cold half & half milk in the microwave for one minute. Dissolve four tablespoons sugar in the milk.
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In a large bowl, combine the salt and bread flour well. Add the half & half, yeast water, and softened butter. Mix the dough until it starts to form a sticky ball of dough. Roll it out onto a clean and floured surface. Wash and dry your hands well.
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Knead the dough for five minutes non-stop. If it’s still sticking to your hands too much, add a little bit more flour. It should still be a bit tacky, but not sticking to your hands. After five minutes, place the dough in a large bowl that has been lightly greased. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in the warmest place in your kitchen. It should double in about an hour. If it hasn’t, let it keep rising.
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Give it a light punch to release the gas build-up and make those air pockets smaller. Lightly knead the dough once more while it is in the bowl for about a minute. Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the dough into 24 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Arrange them evenly on the baking sheet. Cover them with a clean and dry thin kitchen towel. Let them rise again another hour. Bake at 400F for 13-15 minutes.