Italian Brioche (Breakfast Rolls)

 These sweet rolls are perfect for an authentic Italian breakfast. Just spread on some Nutella or fruit preserves and add some fruit and a cappuccino and you’ve got a true Italian breakfast!

Ingredients 

4 - 4 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour

2 teaspoons yeast 

1 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons sugar

Zest of 1 orange or lemon or half of each

3 eggs beaten

1/3 cup butter melted and cooled to lukewarm

1/2 cup warm milk

1/3 cup warm water 

Egg wash: 1 egg splash of milk beaten

Directions 

Mix dry ingredients in bowl set aside

In a stand mixer mix water, milk and yeast, then add the rest of the liquids, sugar and zest and mix until combined 

Add in dry ingredients starting with 4 cups of flour and mix for 7-9 minutes. You may need the 1/2 cup but maybe not.  It may be sticky at first but should eventually form a smooth ball, if not add more flour.  

Cover with plastic and set in warm place until doubled in size 1 1/2-2 hours

Deflate dough and make 12 even balls by tucking under pinching and squeezing to form smooth balls.

Cover with a light towel and rise in a warm place until almost double, about 30 minutes. I use my microwave to do this.  

Brush with egg wash and bake 20 minutes.

Set on rack to cool.