Recipe for Light and Airy Bread Rolls

**Troubleshooting Tips for Soft and Fluffy Bread Rolls**

If your bread rolls aren’t turning out soft and light, there could be several reasons behind it. Here’s how you can troubleshoot common issues and get those rolls just right:

### 1. **Check Your Ingredients**

**Flour:** Using the wrong type of flour can affect the texture of your rolls. All-purpose flour is ideal for soft and fluffy rolls. Whole wheat flour, while nutritious, can make the rolls denser. If you use whole wheat flour, you might need to add more liquid.

**Milk:** Ensure the milk is warm, not hot. Too hot milk can kill the yeast, while cold milk can prevent the dough from rising properly.

### 2. **Proper Mixing and Kneading**

**Mixing:** Ensure you mix the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten. This is what gives the rolls their soft texture. If the dough isn’t mixed well, the rolls can turn out dense.

**Kneading:** Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Proper kneading helps the dough rise and creates a light texture in the rolls.

### 3. **Yeast and Rising**

**Yeast:** If your rolls are dense, the yeast might not have been activated properly. Ensure your yeast is fresh and hasn’t expired. If using active dry yeast, make sure to dissolve it in warm milk before adding it to the dough.

**Rising Time:** Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. If the dough doesn’t rise enough, the rolls will be dense. Let it rise until doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 hour.

### 4. **Baking Temperature and Time**

**Temperature:** Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 250°C (482°F). If the temperature is too low, the rolls may not rise as expected, resulting in denser bread.

**Time:** Don’t overbake the rolls. Bake until they are golden brown, which usually takes about 6 minutes. Overbaking can make them dry.

### 5. **Handling the Dough**

**Shaping:** Be gentle when shaping the dough into rolls. Overworking the dough can cause it to become tough.

**Resting:** If you prepare the dough in advance, let it come to room temperature before baking. Cold dough may not rise properly.

### 6. **Storage**

**Freshness:** Bread rolls should be stored properly to maintain their softness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat as needed.

By addressing these factors, you should be able to achieve soft and fluffy bread rolls every time. Enjoy your baking!