Name: Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F); 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Imagine pulling a tray of Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls fresh from your oven: each golden puff is warm, aromatic, and practically melts in your mouth. These rolls are the stuff of cozy family dinners, lazy Sunday brunches, and memorable celebrations. They’re impossibly fluffy, irresistibly rich, and have a delicate sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe demystifies bakery-worthy bread, so you can enjoy Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls whenever the craving strikes.

Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these rolls is purposely chosen—there’s nothing fussy here, just staples that each play an essential role in creating the ultimate taste, texture, and color. When combined, they guarantee Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls that live up to their name!

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds richness for supremely tender rolls.
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): This is what gives the rolls their unbeatable fluffiness and rise.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and gives a hint of sweetness that makes these rolls so addictive.
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds irreplaceable buttery flavor and moisture throughout every bite.
1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds color, structure, and rich taste.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the recipe, creating a pillow-soft crumb when measured just right.
2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing): An extra layer of buttery goodness and shine once the rolls are out of the oven.

How to Make Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin your Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls journey by combining warm milk, yeast, and just a pinch of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture looks foamy; this step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to help your rolls rise to fluffy perfection.

Step 2: Mix in the Essentials

Once the yeast is bubbly, add in the remaining sugar, softened butter, egg, and salt. Give everything a good mix. This is where the rolls begin to take on their soft, flavorful character—each ingredient layering in richness and depth.

Step 3: Add the Flour

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring in between to create a soft, sticky dough. The dough should come together but remain slightly tacky—this creates the cloud-like texture that sets these rolls apart.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll feel it transform under your hands, turning from shaggy to smooth and elastic. Take your time here—this is the magic moment that creates Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls with a signature pillowy chew.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. When it’s doubled in size, you’ll know the yeast has worked its magic and the dough is ready for shaping.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This is where those classic, bakery-style dinner rolls are born!

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the dish and let the shaped rolls rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. They should look delightfully puffy—this final rise guarantees the softest possible texture.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once heated, bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Watch them closely—don’t let these beauties overbake!

Step 9: Butter and Serve

As soon as the rolls leave the oven, brush them generously with melted butter. This final touch is pure alchemy: it makes each roll glisten and amps up the flavor for that unmistakable Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls experience.

How to Serve Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls

Garnishes

When serving Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds an extra pop of flavor and a touch of elegance. For a special twist, try a brush of garlic-infused melted butter on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine on any dinner table—pair them with hearty stews, creamy soups, or a roast chicken for an unforgettable meal. Their fluffy texture makes them perfect for sopping up gravy or saucy main dishes, or just enjoying warm with a pat of butter.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or gatherings, arrange the Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls in a circular pattern on a serving platter, or tuck them into a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin. Turn them into irresistible sliders for parties, or use them as the foundation for mini sandwiches—everyone will love the surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls will keep wonderfully soft for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you baked ahead, simply let the rolls cool completely before sealing them up to preserve their texture.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Cool them completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen.

Reheating

To recapture that “just-baked” warmth, pop rolls into a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave gently until soft and steamy. For best results, brush with a little extra butter before heating—no one will know they weren’t oven-fresh!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise, then bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking. This makes Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls even more convenient for busy schedules or special occasions.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

Often, this happens if too much flour is added or the dough isn’t kneaded enough. Start with the lower end of the flour amount and add gradually, and remember to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for perfectly airy rolls.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast works well! You can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour, but keep an eye on the dough’s rise since it can work slightly faster than active dry yeast.

How do I add extra flavor to these rolls?

Try mixing in a teaspoon of garlic powder, dried herbs, or even a bit of grated cheese to the dough. Different garnishes like herbed butter or honey butter also elevate the classic taste of Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls.

What’s the best way to shape dinner rolls evenly?

After dividing the dough, use your hands to gently shape each piece into a ball by pulling the seams underneath—this helps them bake up beautifully round and uniform. Don’t stress, though—imperfect rolls are still delicious!

Final Thoughts

With their pillowy-soft texture, rich buttery flavor, and a foolproof recipe, Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re kneading out some stress or sharing with loved ones, these rolls add a touch of homemade warmth to any table. Give them a try—you’ll find yourself making them on repeat!

Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. These fluffy dinner rolls are rich with buttery flavor and have a light, tender crumb that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 large egg
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For Brushing:

2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy.
Mix Dough: Add remaining sugar, softened butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour to form a soft dough.
Knead: Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
Rise: Let dough rise until doubled in size, then shape into rolls.
Second Rise: Let rolls rise until puffy, then bake until golden brown.
Finish: Brush warm rolls with melted butter before serving.