Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe

Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe

There is something truly comforting about a warm roll fresh from the oven, its golden crust glistening with melted butter and its interior pillowy soft. Whether served at a holiday table, alongside a bowl of soup, or simply enjoyed with a drizzle of honey, homemade rolls have a way of elevating even the simplest meal. While many people shy away from bread baking, thinking it’s too complicated, these soft and buttery homemade rolls prove otherwise. With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can create bakery-quality rolls right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

  Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast

  In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is important—it shows that the yeast is alive and ready to help the rolls rise. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired, and it’s best to start over with a fresh packet.

  2. Mix the dough

  In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, egg, salt, and the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on a stand mixer. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but still manageable.

  3. Knead the dough

  Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5–6 minutes. Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their soft, chewy texture.

  4. First rise

  Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens—the yeast feeds on the sugars and produces carbon dioxide, which makes the dough puff up beautifully.

  5. Shape the rolls

  Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then divide it into 12 to 15 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your rolls. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart so they can rise into each other for that soft pull-apart effect.

  6. Second rise

  Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled. This second rise ensures they bake up light and airy.

  7. Bake

  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on them—overbaking can dry them out.

  8. Brush with butter

  As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter. This not only adds incredible flavor but also keeps the tops soft and shiny.

  Tips for Perfect Rolls

  • Temperature matters: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot. If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast; if too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.

  • Don’t skip the second rise: This step is key to achieving that fluffy, pull-apart texture.

  • Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. The next day, let it come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.

  • Freezing tip: Baked rolls freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.

  Serving Suggestions

  Soft and buttery rolls are versatile and pair well with nearly anything. Serve them with holiday turkey and gravy, dunk them into a hearty soup, or use them to make mini sandwiches. They’re also delightful simply spread with honey, jam, or a little extra butter.

  Final Thoughts

  Baking bread at home doesn’t need to be intimidating. With a little practice, these soft and buttery homemade rolls can become a staple at your table. Their irresistible texture and rich buttery flavor make them a crowd favorite, whether for special occasions or everyday meals. The smell of fresh rolls baking in your kitchen is enough to make the whole family gather around eagerly, waiting for that first warm bite. Once you try making them yourself, you may never go back to store-bought rolls again.