Challah Rolls

1. Stage

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, salt, 2 eggs, egg yolks and vegetable oil. In a medium bowl combine ¾ cup warm water, honey and yeast. Pour yeast mixture into the stand mixer and begin to mix on low.

2. Stage

Knead dough on low until it pulls cleanly away from the bowl and is only slightly sticky, 6 to 8 minutes. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead with your hands until it’s smooth on the outside and springs back when pressed with your fingers.

3. Stage

Spray the inside of a large bowl with cooking spray, place the dough in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let dough proof until nearly doubled in size, 90 minutes. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Punch the dough down once then turn it out onto a work surface.

4. Stage

Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. To form each roll take two pieces of dough and roll them out into ropes of equal length, about 14 inches long. Lightly pinch the ends of the two ropes together then twist the ropes together until they are fully combined into one twisted rope.

5. Stage

Spiral the braided rope on itself to create a round roll. Tuck the remaining end under the challah to make sure the spiral doesn't come loose. Repeat with the remaining dough.

6. Stage

Transfer the completed rolls to the baking sheets, spaced evenly, and cover rolls loosely with plastic wrap. Let rest nearly doubled in size again for an additional 60 minutes.

7. Stage

Toward the end of this final proof, preheat oven to 375º F and beat the remaining egg with a fork.

8. Stage

Remove the plastic wrap from the rolls and brush them thoroughly with egg wash, making sure to coat all the braided nooks and crannies. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

9. Stage

Bake until the exterior of the rolls reaches a deep caramel color and a thermometer inserted into the center of a roll reaches 190ºF, 20 to 25 minutes.

10. Stage

If you want to bake in batches, make sure to move the unbaked rolls to the fridge to stop them from proofing further.

11. Stage

Remove rolls from the oven and let cool completely.