Description
These Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are fluffy, tender, and perfect for any meal. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these rolls feature a rich buttery flavor and a soft texture, ideal for sandwiches or as a comforting side.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for brushing (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, and egg. Add the frothy yeast mixture and stir until evenly combined.
- Add Flour and Knead Dough: Gradually add flour, half a cup at a time, mixing after each addition until the dough starts pulling away from the bowl. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the rolls.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a round ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls with a cloth and let them rise again for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Optional Butter Glaze: Brush the hot rolls with melted butter to add shine and extra buttery flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving warm and enjoying their soft texture.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading is essential to develop gluten for soft rolls, so don’t skip or shorten this step.
- For a richer flavor, use melted butter both in the dough and for brushing the tops.
- The dough rising times can vary depending on room temperature; allow enough time for proper rises.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container to keep them soft, or freeze for longer storage.