Delicious Milk Brioche Rolls

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
• 1 cup milk (plus 1 tablespoon, at room temperature; whole, 1%, or 2% milk can be used)
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (alternatively, 1/2 cup cake flour combined with 3 1/2 cups bread flour)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water)
• Simple syrup (1 tablespoon sugar dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water)

Preparation:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, add the ingredients in the specified order: heavy cream, milk, egg, sugar, cake flour, bread flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Turn on the mixer to the “stir” setting and knead for 15 minutes, occasionally pausing to push the dough together. If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it pulls away from the sides but sticks to the bottom.
3. If kneading by hand, extend the kneading time by 5-10 minutes.
4. Cover the dough with a damp towel and place it in a warm spot until it doubles in size (1-2 hours). Proof the dough in a closed microwave with a mug of just-boiled water next to it.
5. Meanwhile, grease two baking vessels with butter on all sides. You can use two standard loaf pans, two 9-inch (23cm) round pans, or a combination of loaf and round pans.
6. Once the dough has doubled in size, return it to the mixer and stir for another 5 minutes to eliminate air bubbles. Then, dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it in half.
7. To make loaves, shape each dough half into a rough rectangular shape, cut cross-wise into three equal pieces, and place in the loaf pan. Alternatively, divide each dough half into 8 pieces, roll them into balls (or ropes for buns), and arrange them in a round pan.
8. Let the shaped dough proof, covered, for another hour.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C and position a rack in the center.
10. Brush the risen dough with egg wash and bake for 23-25 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and brush the warm bread with sugar water for shine and sweetness.