Modern Jewish Baker: Onion Challah Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons dry active yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar plus 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
• 5 cups unbleached bread flour (preferably King Arthur) plus more if needed
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon jarred minced garlic in oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks (or 1 whole egg)
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1-2 tablespoons minced
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt