Place the milk in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Set aside ¾ cup of the milk (you’ll use it soon) and pour the remaining ¼ cup into a separate bowl or cup and add the active dry yeast. Allow the yeast to sit in the warm milk for 10 minutes, then stir.
MAKE THE DOUGH
While the yeast is activating, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
With a wooden spoon or a heatproof silicone spatula, fold in the ¾ cup milk, egg, and melted butter in with the dry ingredients, stirring and folding the ingredients together gently just until well blended.
At this point, if 10 minutes has passed, the yeast should be activated. Give it a stir and fold the yeast/milk mixture into the dough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just until the dough starts to feel well combined, about 3 to 5 minutes. Form the dough into a ball.
PROOF THE DOUGH
Lightly coat a large glass bowl with olive oil, then place the dough in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and either proof in your oven or place in a warm spot in your kitchen. Allow the dough to rise until it reaches about double in size, which can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour and a half.
While the dough is rising, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
SHAPE THE ROLLS + SECOND PROOF
Once the dough has doubled in size, remove it from the bowl and divide into 2 equal parts. Roll each half into a log. Then slice each log into 6 even pieces, for a total of 12 pieces.
Place breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Roll each dough piece into a ball. Then immediately roll each ball in the breadcrumbs.
Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet approximately 2 inches apart to allow the dough to double in size again for a second proof. Lightly cover the pan with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow for the dough to rise for the second proof, just about 15 minutes.
BAKE
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake for 15 minutes, just until the tops and sides of the pandesal reach a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.