Basic Dinner-Roll Dough

Directions

1. 1
   Warm the milk and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan or in the microwave until very warm (110 degrees F).
2. 2
   Transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook; mix in the sugar, yeast and 1 cup flour until combined but still lumpy.
3. 3
   Let stand until the mixture is very bubbly, about 30 minutes.
4. 4
   Add the butter, salt and 2 cups flour; mix on medium speed until smooth and elastic, 2 to 3 minutes.
5. 5
   Mix in the eggs until combined, scraping the bottom and side of the bowl as needed.
6. 6
   Add 1 1/4 cups flour and the mix-ins, if using; mix until the dough is smooth and starts to gather into a loose ball, about 4 minutes.
7. 7
   The dough should be slightly sticky; if it's too wet, add the remaining 1/4 cup flour.
8. 8
   Lightly oil a large bowl; scrape the dough into the bowl and turn to coat with the oil.
9. 9
   Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
10. 10
    Photograph by Ryan Liebe