Start by preparing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of yeast. Stir the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed. The yeast will help the dough rise, and the sugar will activate the yeast to create a light and fluffy bread.
Next, add the 1/2 cup of lukewarm water, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of butter to the dry mixture. The lukewarm water is ideal because it activates the yeast without killing it, while the olive oil and butter add richness to the dough. Mix the ingredients together until the dough begins to form.
Continue mixing until all the ingredients come together into a smooth, homogeneous mass. You can use a spoon or your hands to knead the dough slightly to help it come together. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much at once.
Once the dough has formed, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 20 minutes. This resting period allows the yeast to activate fully, helping the dough rise and become light and airy.
After the dough has rested, transfer it to a floured surface. Gently knead the dough for a minute to smooth it out. Then, roll the dough into small portions and shape them into round loaves, about the size of a hamburger bun. Be sure not to overwork the dough to keep it soft.
Place the shaped dough loaves onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Ensure there is space between each loaf so they can expand as they bake.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the oven is fully heated, place the tray with the loaves in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check after 12 minutes to ensure they don’t over-bake.
