Use warm, not hot, milk when activating the yeast. If the milk it too hot, it will kill the yeast. If it is too cool, the yeast will not activate. I microwave the milk in 10 second intervals until it is warm to the touch.
Ensure you use yeast that is at room temperature and in date. Both these factors will affect the effectiveness of the yeast in making the bread dough.
When kneading the bread dough, ensure it is soft and smooth before leaving for the first proof. Do the stick test: press it into the surface of the dough with a clean, dry finger. If it sticks to your finger, keep kneading. If it bounces back with a clean finger, then your work is done!
Always always proof bread in a warm space. The warmth is what helps the yeast work to help the dough grow to a pillowy softness.
Use floss to cut the rolls out! I PROMISE it is a total GAMECHANGER!!
Pipe the cream cheese cross on top of the rolls. So much easier to get a neater finish! Alternatively, if you are not too fussed about a cross, simply slather the cream cheese frosting over all the buns using a knife or offset spatula.