Combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, dry milk, instant potatoes, 4 tablespoons melted butter and water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with dough hook. Stir combine and then knead on low for 5 minutes.
3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, ¼ cup dry milk powder, 5 tablespoons melted butter,, 1 cup warm water,, ½ cup instant potato flakes
Shape dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in size (60-90 minutes depending on the temperature of your home). You can also preheat your oven to 100-150 degrees, turn it off and stick the dough in there to rise. It will obviously rise more quickly at a warmer temperature.
Once dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 pieces. Gently roll pieces into balls and place in a greased 9-inch cake pan. Cover and let rise again until doubled in size (45-60 minutes).
About 20 minutes before baking time, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Place uncovered pan in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Immediately brush warm rolls with remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter. Allow to set for 5 minutes for butter to absorb before serving.
5 tablespoons melted butter,
Notes
Powdered milk and dry potato flakes add rich flavor to these rolls while also keeping them light, tender and fluffy. Both inexpensive ingredients have a long shelf life and can be found at any grocery store.
If you don't have a 9" round cake pan, you can also make these in an 8" square pan.
These rolls are best when eaten the day they are made. If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil. They can be reheated in a low oven until just warmed through.
You can prep these rolls a day ahead of time. Mix the dough and allow it to rise on the counter top until double in size. Punch down, cover with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge overnight. Proceed with the recipe (shape the dough into rolls, allow to rise again, bake) but add extra time for the second rise as the dough comes to room temperature.
Brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking to soften the tops as well as add rich flavor and a beautiful sheen. You can also mix in some garlic and fresh herbs for a savory glaze or add honey to butter for a sweet glaze.