Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe

If you have been searching for a warm, comforting bread that brings everyone together at the table, look no further than this Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe. These rolls are the perfect blend of light, fluffy texture and rich buttery flavor, making them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, a special holiday feast, or just want to elevate your everyday meals, these homemade rolls will quickly become a treasured staple. The best part? They are surprisingly simple to make, and the end result is a soft, pillow-like bread that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of these rolls. From the creamy richness of eggs and butter to the gentle lift from yeast, you’ll be amazed at how these simple pantry staples transform into something magical.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and that classic bread crumb texture.
• 2 teaspoons yeast: This little powerhouse helps your rolls rise, giving them their softness and lightness.
• 3 tablespoons sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the buttery richness and feeds the yeast for a better rise.
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk: Warm, not hot, milk activates the yeast and contributes to a tender crumb.
• 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil: These oils add moisture and a gentle richness without overpowering the flavor.
• 2 eggs: Eggs enrich the dough, creating a soft texture and beautiful golden color on the crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness and highlighting the butteriness.
• 1 egg white + 2 tablespoons water: Used as an egg wash to give your rolls that irresistible golden sheen.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brushed on warm rolls to add that last touch of decadence and shine.

How to Make Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining the yeast and sugar in a bowl. Pour in the warm milk and let this sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and fragrant—this is your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. This activation step is crucial for the soft, airy texture in the final rolls.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the oil, salt, and eggs into the yeast mixture, stirring everything together until well combined. These ingredients not only bring moisture and flavor but also help enrich the dough and give the rolls a tender crumb.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour and Knead

Gradually add the flour, about one cup at a time, into the wet mixture. Once all the flour is added, knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, which is essential for that perfect roll structure without being tough.

Step 4: First Rise

Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Let it rise for about one hour or until it doubles in size. This slow fermentation deepens the flavor and ensures your rolls are fluffy and soft.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, making sure to create a tight surface on top for a beautiful final appearance.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the dough balls snugly into a greased baking pan and cover them again. Let them rise for another 30 minutes—this final proofing step guarantees that they bake up tender and light, with a perfect golden crust.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash made from egg white and water. This gives the rolls their signature golden, glossy finish that makes them snap-worthy.

Step 8: Bake and Butter

Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until beautifully golden brown on top. Once out of the oven, brush them immediately with melted butter—this step locks in moisture and infuses the rolls with that rich buttery flavor that everyone loves.

How to Serve Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

While these rolls are naturally delicious on their own, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme on top of the melted butter can elevate their flavor and appearance. A touch of garlic butter spread over warm rolls turns them into an irresistible treat perfect for sharing.

Side Dishes

These warm, buttery rolls are a match made in heaven with hearty soups such as creamy tomato bisque or chicken noodle, making every spoonful even better. They also complement savory dishes like slow-cooked pot roast, glazed ham, or a fresh garden salad, adding that soft and comforting carb element everyone craves.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the rolls in a braided wreath shape or bake them in mini muffin tins for bite-sized dinner rolls. You can even slice them horizontally and use them as slider buns for a family picnic—versatile, charming, and always delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them wrapped well prevents them from drying out, so they stay soft and buttery just like fresh out of the oven.

Freezing

To enjoy these rolls later, freeze them once completely cooled. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them gently.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or stored rolls by wrapping them in foil and warming in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also microwave briefly, covered with a damp paper towel, to revive the softness. Make sure to brush a little melted butter afterward for that fresh-baked finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works best for the right texture in this Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe, but you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier roll or a mix with whole wheat for added nutrition. Just keep in mind the texture and rising time might vary slightly.

How do I know if my yeast is still good?

The yeast should bubble and foam when mixed with warm milk and sugar after about 5 minutes. If nothing happens, your yeast might be expired or the water might be too hot or cold—try fresh yeast or adjust the liquid temperature.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

These rolls rely on gluten for their structure, so simply swapping flour won’t give the same results. However, you can try a gluten-free baking blend formulated for yeast breads, but the texture will be different, likely denser and less elastic.

What is the purpose of the egg wash?

The egg wash adds a beautiful golden brown color and a slight sheen to the rolls that makes them look freshly baked and irresistible. It also helps any seasonings or toppings stick to the surface during baking.

Can I make the dough in a mixer instead of by hand?

Absolutely! Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment can make kneading easier and faster. Just mix on low speed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, then follow the rising and baking steps as usual.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly rewarding about pulling a batch of warm, golden rolls fresh from the oven, especially when they come from scratch using this Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe. It’s a simple pleasure that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy. Whether you’re new to bread baking or a seasoned pro, these rolls will impress every time. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the comforting magic of homemade bread in its softest, most buttery form.

Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 24 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are perfect for any meal, boasting a tender and fluffy texture with a rich buttery finish. Made from scratch using simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and eggs, these rolls are wonderfully soft inside with a golden, shiny crust thanks to the egg wash and melted butter. Ideal as a side with soups, salads, or breakfast spreads, they deliver a fresh bakery-quality experience right at home.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 teaspoons yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons water

For Brushing

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine the yeast and sugar, then add the warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the oil, salt, and whole eggs to the yeast mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients well.
3. Incorporate Flour & Knead: Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, kneading the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten for a soft texture.
4. First Rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in a warm area to rise for approximately 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
5. Shape Rolls: Once risen, punch down the dough, divide it into 24 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a smooth ball.
6. Second Rise: Arrange the dough balls evenly in a greased baking pan, cover them, and let them rise again for 30 minutes until puffed.
7. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
8. Apply Egg Wash: Brush each roll gently with the egg wash (a mixture of egg white and water) to ensure a golden and shiny finish after baking.
9. Bake Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
10. Butter Brush: Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush them with melted butter to enhance flavor and add a glossy appearance.
11. Serve Warm: Enjoy these rolls warm, perfect to accompany soups, coffees, or teas for any occasion.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Use a warm, draft-free place for rising to help the dough double in size properly.
• Brushing with melted butter right after baking keeps the rolls moist and flavorful.
• These rolls can be frozen after the first rise for up to 1 month; thaw and let rise again before baking.
• For a sweeter roll, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top before baking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American