Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe
Imagine pulling a tray of Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls from your oven: golden, pillowy-soft, and gleaming with a brush of warm butter. These rolls are the very definition of comfort food—perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or just a cozy night in. The irresistible aroma fills your kitchen, promising a bite that’s fluffy and rich, with just the right touch of sweetness. If you’ve ever wanted to bake bread that steals the show, let these Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls work their magic at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that signature texture and flavor. You likely have most of these kitchen staples on hand, and together they transform into something truly special.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the rolls structure while keeping them tender and light.
- Active dry yeast: The secret to a beautiful rise and that fluffy interior.
- Warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast and adds a subtle richness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and feeds the yeast for a perfect rise.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Infuses the dough with buttery flavor and a soft crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
- Large eggs: Contribute richness, color, and extra softness to the rolls.
- Unsalted butter, melted (for brushing): Gives the finished rolls their signature glossy, buttery top.
How to Make Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in the warm milk along with 1 tablespoon of the sugar. This cozy bath wakes up the yeast, and within 5 to 10 minutes, you’ll see it get foamy—a sure sign your rolls will rise beautifully. If your yeast doesn’t foam, it might be past its prime, so it’s best to start again with a fresh packet.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rest of the sugar, the softened butter, salt, and eggs. Pour in your bubbly yeast mixture and stir everything together. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable—this is what keeps your Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls extra tender.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 6 to 8 minutes, or let your stand mixer’s dough hook do the work. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic dough that bounces back when poked. This step develops the gluten, giving the rolls their delightful chew.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the top. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. When the dough has doubled in size, you’re well on your way to Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls that are light as air.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough to release excess air, then divide it into 15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This cozy arrangement encourages the rolls to rise tall and bake up with those classic soft sides.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let the shaped rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. They should puff up and just about double in size. This second rise is the secret to rolls that are extra fluffy and tender.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown on top. The kitchen will smell like a bakery, and you’ll know it’s almost time to enjoy your Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls.
Step 8: Butter and Serve
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops generously with melted butter. This gives them a soft, shiny finish and an extra hit of buttery flavor that’s downright irresistible.
How to Serve Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls
Garnishes
Give your Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls a finishing touch with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a bit of fresh chopped parsley, or a dusting of parmesan cheese. For a twist, try brushing the tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder or your favorite dried herbs. These simple garnishes add an extra layer of flavor and make the rolls look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
There’s almost nothing these rolls don’t pair well with! Serve them alongside hearty soups, stews, or a classic roast chicken dinner. They’re the perfect partner for holiday spreads, Thanksgiving feasts, or simply nestled next to a fresh salad for a cozy lunch. The soft, buttery texture makes them ideal for soaking up gravies and sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls the star of the table, arrange them in a pretty breadbasket lined with a cloth napkin, or stack them on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of herbed butter for spreading. For dinner parties, you can tie each roll with a chive or kitchen twine for a charming, bakery-style presentation. Kids love them split and filled with a little ham or cheese for mini sandwiches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls will stay soft and delicious, especially if you keep them from drying out.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. You can also freeze the shaped, unbaked rolls after the second rise; just thaw and bake when you’re ready for fresh rolls with minimal effort.
Reheating
To bring that just-baked taste and softness back, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. For a quick option, microwave individual rolls for about 15 seconds. Don’t forget to re-brush with a little melted butter for maximum flavor!
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. You can skip the proofing step and mix the instant yeast directly into the flour, but keep an eye on the dough as it may rise a bit faster!
Why did my rolls turn out dense instead of fluffy?
Dense rolls are usually caused by not allowing enough rise time, using old yeast, or adding too much flour. Make sure your yeast is fresh, measure flour carefully, and give the dough plenty of time to double in size for the best Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls.
Can I make Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate them overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking, and you’ll have warm, fresh rolls with hardly any last-minute fuss.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can mix in garlic powder, fresh or dried herbs, or even a little shredded cheese to the dough. Adding flavorings to the melted butter for brushing is another easy way to customize your Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped. If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature with a thermometer—it should read about 190°F for perfectly baked Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special satisfaction in pulling a batch of Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls from the oven and sharing them with people you love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these rolls will fill your kitchen with warmth and fill every bite with joy. Give this recipe a try and watch these irresistible rolls disappear in record time!
Print
Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes (plus rising time)
- Yield: 15 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are fluffy, tender, and perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, milk, and butter, these rolls offer a deliciously soft texture and rich buttery flavor. Ideal for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion where fresh bread is appreciated.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus 1 tablespoon for yeast mixture)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk along with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the remaining sugar, softened butter, salt, and eggs. Stir in the yeast mixture thoroughly.
- Add Flour and Form Dough: Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms that is slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Remove the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for the same duration.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 15 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Brush with Butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter to add richness and shine.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepared ahead of time by completing up to the second rise, then covering and refrigerating overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.
- For additional flavor, add garlic powder, herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), or a sprinkle of Parmesan to the melted butter before brushing the rolls.
- The rolls are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
