Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• Wheat flour: 570 g (3.5 cups)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Dry yeast: 1 tablespoon
• Warm milk: 120 ml
• Large egg: 1
• Warm water: 140 ml
• Vegetable oil: 20 ml

For Decoration:

• Egg: 1 (for egg wash)
• Apricot jam
• Plum jam

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar with 120 ml of warm milk.
   • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of dry yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial to ensure that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 570 g of wheat flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 140 ml of warm water, and 20 ml of vegetable oil.
4. Form the Dough:
   • Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the egg mixture as well.
   • Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or a dough hook on a stand mixer until a sticky dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes on medium speed.
   • The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
6. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This rising time allows the dough to develop flavor and a light, airy texture.

2. Shape the Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Divide the Dough:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
   • Divide the dough into equal-sized portions, depending on how large you want the rolls to be. You should get about 12-16 rolls.
3. Shape the Rolls:
   • Roll each portion of dough into a smooth ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll to allow them to expand during baking.
4. Final Rise:
   • Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes until they puff up slightly. This step ensures the rolls will be soft and fluffy.

3. Decorate and Bake

1. Egg Wash:
   • In a small bowl, beat 1 egg to make an egg wash.
   • Brush the top of each roll with the egg wash. This will give the rolls a beautiful golden color when baked.
2. Add Jam:
   • Using your finger or the back of a spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each roll.
   • Fill the indentation with a small amount of apricot jam or plum jam, depending on your preference.
3. Bake:
   • Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are fully cooked.

4. Serve

1. Cool:
   • Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
2. Enjoy:
   • Serve warm or at room temperature. These sweet rolls are perfect on their own or with a cup of tea or coffee.