If you have ever craved the magic of bakery-fresh bread straight from your own kitchen, you are in for a treat with this Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe. These rolls are not just any bread; they are delightfully tender, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and loaded with a rich buttery flavor that will make every meal special. Whether you’re setting a festive table or simply want a comforting treat, these rolls will quickly become your go-to favorite. The beauty lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the loving process that transforms them into pillowy spheres of pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe starts with common pantry staples, each carefully chosen for the role they play to create that perfect softness and golden color. These ingredients are simple but essential, working together to give the rolls their beautiful texture and flavor.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- 2 teaspoons yeast: The natural leavening agent that gives the rolls their lovely rise and airy crumb.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and helps the yeast activate beautifully.
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk: Keeps the dough moist and tender while feeding the yeast.
- 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil: Adds richness and keeps the rolls soft for longer.
- 2 eggs: Enrich the dough to ensure a tender, buttery bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- 1 egg white + 2 tablespoons water (egg wash): Creates a beautiful golden crust when baked.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brushed on warm rolls for a luscious, glossy finish and extra buttery appeal.
How to Make Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by combining the yeast and sugar in a bowl, then pour in the warm milk. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and fragrant. This signals that your yeast is alive and kicking, essential for creating those soft, airy rolls.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the oil, salt, and eggs into the yeast mixture, stirring gently to combine. These ingredients infuse the dough with richness and flavor, setting the stage for soft and silky rolls.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour and Knead
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, and start kneading the dough. Aim for a smooth and elastic dough, which usually takes 5 to 7 minutes of kneading. This step is important because developing the gluten gives the rolls their perfect texture.
Step 4: First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for about one hour or until doubled in size. This rise allows the dough to become airy and soft, making your rolls wonderfully light.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball—this shaping helps the rolls bake evenly and look irresistibly inviting.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange your dough balls in a greased baking pan, close together but not squished. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes; this extra rise guarantees those soft, fluffy rolls everyone will appreciate.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush each roll with the egg wash (egg white mixed with water) to encourage that beautiful golden crust once baked.
Step 8: Bake the Rolls
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the bakery-fresh aroma fills your kitchen. This final step locks in moisture to keep the rolls tender inside.
Step 9: Final Touch with Butter
Right after taking the rolls out of the oven, brush them with melted butter. This extra step adds a glossy shine and deep buttery flavor that makes these rolls truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the rolls are absolutely perfect on their own, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt or a touch of garlic butter to elevate their appeal. Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme also pair wonderfully as a gentle aromatic garnish.
Side Dishes
These rolls are the ideal companion to hearty soups, creamy stews, or even a rich pasta dish. Their soft texture and buttery taste balance well with savory mains, making every bite a delight. They’re also fantastic alongside breakfast spreads or holiday feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing these rolls horizontally and turning them into mini sandwich sliders with your favorite fillings. Or serve them warm with a selection of flavored butters, jams, or honey for an inviting table centerpiece. The possibilities are endless and always delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though rare!), keep them tightly sealed in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for about 2 days, perfect for quick snacks or meals.
Freezing
These rolls freeze wonderfully. Simply let them cool completely, then wrap them individually or in a batch with plastic wrap and place into a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months, making them great for prepping ahead.
Reheating
To warm frozen or leftover rolls, place them in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes until heated through, or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel to restore moisture. Brush with butter after reheating for that fresh-baked taste every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe because it strikes a perfect balance between gluten development and tenderness. You can experiment with bread flour for a chewier roll, but whole wheat will make them denser and less soft.
Is it necessary to use eggs in the dough?
Yes, eggs contribute richness and tenderize the dough, resulting in softer and more flavorful rolls. They also help with structure and browning of the crust.
What if I don’t have olive or avocado oil?
You can substitute with melted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. Butter adds flavor but changes the texture slightly, while other oils maintain softness without impacting taste.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should have a deep golden brown color on top and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. Using a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F for perfectly baked rolls.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
This recipe relies on gluten development for its soft texture, so a direct gluten-free substitution won’t work without significant adjustments. However, many gluten-free baking mixes can be experimented with to achieve a similar buttery roll.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about pulling a pan of warm, soft rolls fresh from the oven, especially when they are as buttery and tender as these. The Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and guarantees smiles around your table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you taste these heavenly rolls, they will become a cherished staple in your home baking repertoire!
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Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are pillowy, golden brown, and perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, eggs, and butter, they are baked to fluffy perfection with a rich buttery finish. Ideal for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a comforting snack with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk
- 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 eggs
For Egg Wash
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons water
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine the yeast and sugar. Add the warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add the oil, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture, stirring until well combined to form the wet base of the dough.
- Add flour and knead: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, kneading the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, indicating proper gluten development.
- First rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size, which helps create a light texture.
- Shape the rolls: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 24 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, preparing them for the final shaping.
- Second rise: Arrange the dough balls evenly in a greased baking pan, cover them, and let rise again for 30 minutes to allow them to puff up further.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rolls evenly.
- Apply egg wash: Mix the egg white with water and brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls to achieve a glossy, golden brown crust.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped, signaling they are fully baked.
- Brush with butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter, imparting a rich flavor and a shiny finish.
- Serve: Serve the rolls warm, perfect for pairing with your favorite soups, coffee, or tea for a delightful experience.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead the dough thoroughly for a soft and elastic texture.
- Allowing adequate rising time is crucial for fluffy rolls.
- You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or melted butter in the dough.
- Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for best absorption and flavor.
- These rolls freeze well; just thaw and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
