BEST DINNER ROLLS

Steps:

• COMBINE 2 cups flour, sugar, salt and yeast in large bowl; mix well. Heat water, milk and 1/2 cup butter in small saucepan until very warm (120 degrees to 130 degrees F). Add warm liquid and egg to flour mixture; blend at low speed until moistened. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in an additional 2 1/2 to 3 cups flour until dough pulls cleanly away from sides of bowl.
• SPRAY large bowl with no-stick cooking spray. Knead in 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 cups flour on floured surface until dough is smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Place dough in prepared bowl; cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80 degrees to 85 degrees F) until light and doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes.
• PUNCH down dough several times to remove all air bubbles. Divide dough in half. To make Pan Rolls, lightly spray two 13 x 9-inch pans with no-stick cooking spray. Divide each half of dough into 16 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball, pulling edges under to make a smooth top. Place balls, smooth side up, in prepared pans. Cover; let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, 20 to 30 minutes.
• HEAT oven to 400 degrees F. Uncover dough. Bake 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove rolls from pans; cool on wire racks for 15 minutes. Brush with melted butter. Serve warm or cool.
• Tip: To make dough a day ahead, after first rise time, punch down dough, cover and refrigerate dough overnight. Shape dough as directed in recipe; let rise a second time until light and doubled in size, 25 to 35 minutes.
• High Altitude (above 3500 ft.):
• No change.
• VARIATIONS:
• BOW KNOT ROLLS: Lightly spray cookie sheets with no-stick cooking spray. Using half of dough, divide dough into 16 equal pieces. On lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 9-inch rope. Tie each into a loose knot. Place 2 to 3 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. After rising, bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 16 rolls
• SWIRL ROLLS: Lightly spray cookie sheets with no-stick cooking spray. Using half of dough, divide dough into 16 equal pieces. On lightly floured surface, roll each piece into an 8-inch rope. Beginning at center, make a loose swirl or coil with each rope; tuck end under. Place 2 to 3 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. After rising, bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 16 rolls
• CROWN ROLLS: Lightly spray 12 muffin cups with no-stick cooking spray. Using half of dough, divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball, pulling edges under to make a smooth top. Place 1 ball, smooth side up, in each prepared muffin cup. Using kitchen scissors dipped in flour, cut balls of dough into quarters almost to bottom. After rising, bake 14 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 12 rolls
• CRESCENT ROLLS: Lightly spray cookie sheets with no-stick cooking spray. Using half of dough, divide dough in half again; shape each half into a ball. On lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a 12 inch round. Spread each with 1 tablespoon softened butter. Cut each round into 12 wedges. Beginning at wide end of wedge, roll toward point. Place, point side down, 2 to 3 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Curve ends to form a crescent shape. After rising, bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 24 rolls
• CLOVERLEAF ROLLS: Lightly spray 12 muffin cups with no-stick cooking spray. Using half of dough, divide dough into 12 equal pieces; divide each into thirds. Shape each into a ball, pulling edges under to make a smooth top. Place 3 balls, smooth side up, in each prepared muffin cup. After rising, bake 14 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 12 rolls
• Tip: Diagrams for making dinner rolls are on pillsburybaking.com under Baker's Corner, Baking Tips, Shaping Dinner Rolls.