Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. If the yeast doesn’t activate (doesn’t foam), it might be expired, and you should try again with fresh yeast.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir until well mixed.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a few drops of warm water.
5. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

6. Melt the Butter: While the dough is rising, melt the remaining ½ cup of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
7. Add Fresh Herbs (Optional): If using fresh parsley or any other herbs, stir them into the garlic butter mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

8. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
9. Cut into Squares: Cut the dough into 12 equal squares using a sharp knife or a dough cutter.
10. Arrange the Rolls: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or a similar-sized pan. Stack the dough squares on top of each other, creating a “stacked” effect, and place them in the pan. It’s okay if they are snug; this will help them rise together into a soft, pull-apart formation.

Step 4: Bake the Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls

11. Brush with Garlic Butter: Pour half of the prepared garlic butter over the rolls, making sure they are well-coated. Let the rolls rise for another 20-30 minutes, covered with a clean kitchen towel.
12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls are rising.
13. Bake the Rolls: After the second rise, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
14. Final Touch: Once the rolls are baked, brush the remaining garlic butter over the top of the warm rolls. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, if desired, for an extra touch of flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

15. Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving, or you can serve them warm right out of the oven. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.