Gather ingredients: flour, yeast, warm water or milk, sugar, salt, butter, and egg if desired
Mix warm liquid, sugar, and yeast; let sit until foamy
Combine flour and salt in a bowl
Add yeast mixture, butter, and egg if using
Mix until a dough forms
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic
Place dough in a greased bowl and cover
Let dough rise until doubled in size
Punch down the dough
Divide dough into equal pieces
Shape each piece into a roll
Place rolls on a greased or lined baking sheet
Cover and let rise again until puffy
Preheat the oven
Brush rolls with melted butter, milk, or egg wash if desired
Bake until golden brown
Remove from oven and brush with butter if desired
Let cool slightly before serving