Step 1: Warm the Milk and Butter
Heat the milk in a microwave or small saucepan until it reaches 110°F (43°C). It should feel warm but not hot to the touch. Use a thermometer for accuracy; too hot will kill the yeast. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly so it’s warm, not scalding.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In your large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), whisk together 3 cups of the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. This distributes the yeast and salt evenly.

Step 3: Form the Dough
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the warm milk, the ¼ cup of melted butter, and the room-temperature egg. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on low speed.

Step 4: Knead to Smoothness
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 5-7 minutes, incorporating the remaining ¼ cup of flour a little at a time as needed to prevent sticking. The dough is ready when it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but no longer sticks to your hands. If using a mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for 4-5 minutes. Resist adding too much extra flour, as this will make the rolls dense.

Part 2: The Quick Rise & Shaping

Step 5: First Rise (Only 15 Minutes!)
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot (like an off oven with the light on). Let it rise for just 15 minutes. The instant yeast and warm ingredients make this rapid rise possible for our quick dinner rolls.

Step 6: Divide and Shape
After 15 minutes, the dough should look slightly puffy. Turn it out onto a very lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces (weighing them ensures perfect uniformity). Cup your hand over each piece and roll it firmly on the counter in a circular motion to form a smooth, tight ball. This creates surface tension for a nice shape.

Step 7: Pan the Rolls
Grease your 9-inch round or square baking pan. Arrange the 8 dough balls in the pan, spaced evenly apart but just touching. They will expand and grow together as they rise and bake, creating those prized soft, pull-apart sides.

Part 3: Final Rise & Baking

Step 8: Final Rise (20 Minutes)
Cover the pan with greased plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the shaped rolls rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. They should nearly double in size and look puffy. Towards the end of this rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Once risen, place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the tops are a deep, uniform golden brown. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read at least 190°F (88°C).

Step 10: Butter and Serve
As soon as the jumbo dinner rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops generously with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This gives them a beautiful sheen, adds flavor, and keeps the crust soft. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack or serve warm directly from the pan.