Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of pillowy, bakery-worthy dinner rolls gracing your table, this recipe for Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls is exactly what you need. Each bite is tender, fluffy, and infused with a buttery aroma that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re gathering for a holiday feast or just craving a comforting side with a weeknight meal, these rolls will instantly elevate any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be amazed at how homemade bread transforms your kitchen—and your meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each one plays a unique, important role in building flavor, a soft crumb, and that gorgeous golden finish.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and a delicately soft texture for your rolls.
- Active dry yeast: The key to getting these beauties perfectly risen and ultra fluffy—be sure to check for freshness!
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps activate the yeast for the best rise.
- Salt: Rounds out the flavors and gives these rolls depth—don’t skip it!
- Warm milk: Helps the dough come together smoothly and contributes to that beautifully tender crumb. Use whole milk for extra richness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses each roll with flavor and ensures a truly buttery bite, inside and on top.
- Large egg: Holds the dough together and adds just the right amount of richness and color.
- More unsalted butter (for brushing): Giving the warm rolls a final glossy glaze sends them over the top!
How to Make Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring the warm milk into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Sprinkle in the yeast and sugar, give it a gentle stir, and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a foamy, bubbly top—this is the yeast’s way of saying it’s alive and ready to make your Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls magically fluffy.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast is nice and foamy, add your melted butter, the egg, and salt to the bowl. Mix until everything is well combined. This creates a rich, flavorful base that ensures the signature softness in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Gradually add your flour—about a cup at a time—mixing in between each addition. As the dough comes together, it should feel soft and even a little tacky to the touch. If it’s too sticky, now’s the time to sprinkle in an extra tablespoon of flour, just until you reach that perfect, kneadable consistency.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough using your hands or a dough hook for 6 to 8 minutes. This is what gives your rolls their trademark structure and chew. You’re aiming for a dough that feels smooth, elastic, and just a little bit springy when pressed.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer your kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot. After about 1 to 1.5 hours, it should double in size—time for the fun part!
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Punch down your dough to release excess air, then divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Aim for uniform sizes so each roll bakes evenly.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the pan with a towel or wrap again and let the rolls rise a second time, about 30 to 45 minutes, until they’re puffy and hugging each other in the pan. This second rise gives Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls their cloud-like texture.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, keeping an eye out for that beautiful golden top. If you want super luscious rolls, rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even color.
Step 9: Brush with Butter
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, generously brush them with melted butter while they’re still warm. This finishing touch gives Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls their signature sheen, flavor, and unforgettable softness.
How to Serve Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh herbs like chopped parsley, or even a dusting of parmesan can add a pretty (and tasty) finishing touch to your warm rolls. You can also offer honey butter or jam on the side for an extra-special bite—your guests won’t be able to resist!
Side Dishes
These Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls were born to swoop through hearty soups, soak up savory gravies, or accompany classics like roasted chicken, beef stew, or even holiday turkey. Don’t overlook serving them with a big salad for the ultimate comfort-food lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, tuck individual rolls into a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin, or create a pull-apart centerpiece by baking the rolls in a circular cake pan. For brunch, slice slightly cooled rolls and turn them into sliders with ham, turkey, or garden-fresh veggies. The options are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, leftover Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls will keep best in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Their pillowy softness stays put, especially if you reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
Freezing
Planning ahead? These rolls freeze like a dream! Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you need a little taste of homemade comfort in a hurry.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-from-the-oven appeal, wrap the rolls in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes. For a quick fix, pop them into the microwave for about 10 seconds each, but the oven will maintain that irresistible outer crust.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Just substitute an equal amount of instant yeast and skip the activation step—simply mix it directly with the flour before adding the wet ingredients. The rise times will stay about the same.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem at all. You can mix and knead everything by hand. It might take a few extra minutes and some elbow grease, but you’ll get equally delicious Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls in the end.
How can I make the rolls even richer?
You can swap in whole milk (or even half and half) for extra creaminess, and double up on the melted butter for brushing if you want a truly decadent result.
Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
Certainly! After the first rise, shape the rolls and place them in the prepared baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let them come to room temperature and rise until puffy before popping them in the oven.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes! Substitute dairy-free milk (like almond or oat), use plant-based butter, and replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg. You’ll still get soft, fluffy, and absolutely delicious homemade rolls.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste these Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls, they’ll become a staple at your table. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out in your kitchen—share them with loved ones or savor every roll yourself. However you serve them, you’re in for homemade comfort at its very best!
Print
Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, with their fluffy texture and rich flavor. Perfect for special occasions or everyday enjoyment.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For Brushing:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt; mix well. Gradually add flour, knead until smooth.
- Rise and Shape: Let the dough rise until doubled. Divide into portions, shape into balls, and place in a baking dish. Let rise again until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 15–18 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter.
Notes
- For extra richness, use whole milk and more butter when brushing.
- These rolls freeze well—reheat in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
