Soft And Buttery Homemade Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade rolls are a guaranteed hit with everyone who tries them. The dough is enriched with butter, resulting in soft, pillowy rolls that have the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The light and airy crumb, combined with a slight sweetness from the honey or sugar, makes these rolls irresistible. Whether you serve them alongside soup, roast meats, or enjoy them with a slather of butter, they are the perfect comfort food. Plus, they are simple to make, and once you’ve tasted homemade rolls, you’ll never want store-bought again!

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon butter (for brushing after baking)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, salt, and eggs. Add the frothy milk-yeast mixture and stir to combine.

3. Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

7. Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.

9. Brush the hot rolls with melted butter for an extra touch of richness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Rise time: 1.5 – 2 hours

• Bake time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Garlic Butter Rolls: Add minced garlic to the melted butter before brushing it over the rolls after baking. This adds a savory twist.

• Herb Rolls: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for added flavor.

• Cheese-Stuffed Rolls: Place a small cube of cheese in the center of each roll before shaping it into a ball.

• Sweet Rolls: Add a tablespoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. Simply shape the dough, place the rolls on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then proceed with the second rise and baking as usual.

• Reheating: To reheat rolls, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

How can I tell when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls are fully baked when they’re golden brown on top, and when tapped on the bottom, they sound hollow.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then cover it and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What kind of yeast should I use?

Active dry yeast works best for this recipe. You can also use instant yeast, but be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

Why is my dough not rising?

Ensure that your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm (not hot). Too high of a temperature can kill the yeast, and cold liquids will prevent it from activating.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, nuttier flavor.

How do I keep my rolls soft?

Make sure you don’t overbake the rolls. Also, brushing them with melted butter after baking helps to keep them soft and adds flavor.

Can I freeze the rolls after baking?

Yes, you can freeze fully baked rolls. Let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven before serving.

How do I prevent my rolls from becoming too dense?

Be sure to measure your flour correctly and avoid overworking the dough. Too much flour or kneading can result in denser rolls.

Can I make these rolls without eggs?

Yes, you can omit the eggs and substitute them with an egg replacer, such as flax eggs or applesauce.

What can I serve these rolls with?

These rolls are great with any meal! Serve them with soups, stews, salads, or a hearty main course like roast chicken or beef.

Conclusion

These soft and buttery homemade rolls are the epitome of comfort food, offering an irresistible combination of tenderness and flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday meal or as a simple side dish, they are sure to become a favorite. With easy-to-follow instructions and room for variations, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to create delicious, homemade bread from scratch.