Name: Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Dough: 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)2 tablespoons granulated sugar1 large egg¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)1 teaspoon salt3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

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If you’ve ever dreamed of filling your kitchen with the scent of freshly baked bread, these Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Tender, golden, and impossibly fluffy inside, they’re the kind of rolls your dinner guests will rave about and your family will beg you to make again and again. This recipe walks you through each step, promising bakery-quality results even if you’ve never worked with yeast before—pure bread bliss, all made right at home.

Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated—delicious Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls come together with just a handful of everyday staples. Each ingredient has its own delicious role, from giving the rolls their irresistible pillow-soft texture to creating that rich, buttery flavor (and aroma!) we all crave.

Warm milk: The gentle warmth is key for activating the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
Active dry yeast: This hardworking leavener ensures your rolls turn out feathery and light.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that also feeds the yeast, helping the dough rise beautifully.
Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind everything together for a tender crumb.
Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the dough with buttery goodness and gives the tops that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure—the key to rolls that are soft, but never dense.

How to Make Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir, then let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know your yeast is ready when the top becomes foamy—this means it’s alive and ready to work its magic! If there’s no froth, try again with fresh yeast and make sure your milk isn’t too hot or too cool.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Once the yeast is bubbly, whisk in the egg, melted butter, and salt. These ingredients are essential for creating that rich, supple dough that sets Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls apart from the rest. The butter especially ensures your rolls bake up golden and scrumptious.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Form the Dough

Add the all-purpose flour one cup at a time to your bowl, mixing thoroughly as you go. Once all the flour is incorporated and the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky; as you knead, it will become smoother and more elastic. Knead for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the dough feels silky and springs back when pressed.

Step 4: First Rise

Grease a large bowl and transfer your kneaded dough into it. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours. This is where the magic happens—the dough relaxes and becomes wonderfully airy, which is the secret behind the featherlight texture of Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each one into a smooth ball and arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This close arrangement helps the rolls rise upward, giving them their signature fluffy middles and perfectly golden tops.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover your pan of dough balls with a towel and let them rise again, this time for about 30 to 45 minutes. They’ll puff up and nestle closely together—just what you want for pull-apart rolls that are soft and cloud-like inside.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden on top. As soon as they’re out of the oven, brush them with more melted butter for that unforgettable, glossy finish and rich flavor rush that makes these Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls utterly irresistible. Serve them warm for maximum joy!

How to Serve Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls

Garnishes

Elevate your Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or parsley, or even a touch of garlic butter brushed right on top. These little extras bring a touch of elegance and can match the mood of any meal.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside classic comfort foods—think roast chicken, creamy soups, holiday hams, or hearty stews. Their neutral, buttery flavor beautifully complements almost any main course, and they’re the perfect vehicle for soaking up flavorful sauces or gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try twisting or braiding the dough for individual rolls with a wow factor. You can also arrange them in a ring shape for a festive, pull-apart bread centerpiece. Serving with flavored butters—like honey butter or herb butter—turns every bite of these Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls into a little celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Their soft, pillowy texture holds up nicely, but gently wrapping them in a clean towel can help maintain that freshly-baked feel.

Freezing

Want to have Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls ready at a moment’s notice? Bake them, let them cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight on the counter or in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven quality, pop thawed or day-old rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to avoid drying out. For a finishing touch, brush them with a bit of melted butter before serving—you’ll be amazed at how bakery-fresh they taste!

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can swap in the same amount of instant yeast. You don’t need to bloom instant yeast, so you can simply mix it right in with the flour and other dry ingredients before adding the liquids.

Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a non-dairy milk and use plant-based butter. The rolls will still be delicious and soft, though the flavor will change subtly depending on your chosen substitutions.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

Look for a deep golden brown color on top, and if you gently tap a roll, it should sound slightly hollow. For extra assurance, you can check that the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C) with a kitchen thermometer.

Can I let the dough rise overnight?

Definitely! Let the shaped rolls rise in the refrigerator overnight, covered with plastic wrap. Bring them back to room temperature while you preheat the oven, then bake as usual for extra schedule-friendly baking.

What’s the best way to make the rolls extra soft?

Pay close attention to kneading the dough until it’s perfectly smooth and elastic, and don’t rush the rising time. A touch more butter brushed on top right after baking always makes Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls extra pillowy and tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about pulling Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls straight from your oven—watching them disappear faster than you can pass the butter is just the cherry on top. I hope you treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch soon; once you experience their warmth and fluffiness, you’ll never look at store-bought rolls the same way again.

Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These soft and buttery homemade rolls are a delight for any occasion. With a simple recipe and fluffy texture, they are perfect for dinner or as a snack. Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen with these delicious rolls.

Ingredients

Dough:

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
1 teaspoon salt
3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add the egg, melted butter, and salt. Stir in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Bake: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into smooth balls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with additional melted butter immediately after baking. Serve warm.