Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls

If there’s one thing that can make any meal feel extra special, it’s a basket of freshly baked, warm, soft, and buttery rolls. These Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are everything you crave in a roll—fluffy, tender, with just the right amount of butter that melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you make these from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is enough to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy bakery, and when you take that first bite, it’s nothing short of heavenly. Let’s dive in and get baking!

Why You’ll Love Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls

Here’s why these homemade rolls will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

Fluffy and Soft:

These rolls are soft on the inside with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They puff up perfectly as they bake, giving you that irresistible bite that’s light and airy.

Buttery Goodness:

We’re not talking about just a light brush of butter here. These rolls are generously brushed with butter both before and after baking, giving them that decadent, melt-in-your-mouth quality that everyone loves.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal, a family dinner, or a casual weeknight, these rolls fit the bill. They’re the kind of bread that can be enjoyed with anything from a hearty stew to a simple salad.

Easy to Make:

The recipe might sound fancy, but it’s actually straightforward and easy to follow. With just a few basic ingredients and some time for the dough to rise, you’ll have homemade rolls that rival any bakery.

Customizable:

Want to add a little garlic or herbs? Go ahead! This dough is a great base for customizing. Add your favorite flavors and make them your own!

Ingredients in Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls

These rolls come together with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour:

This is the foundation for the soft, fluffy texture of these rolls. You can’t go wrong with good-quality all-purpose flour.

Active Dry Yeast:

Yeast is what makes these rolls rise and gives them that soft, airy texture. Don’t worry if you’ve never worked with yeast before—it’s pretty easy to use!

Milk:

Warm milk helps activate the yeast and gives the rolls a soft, tender crumb. It’s a key ingredient for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Butter:

For that rich, buttery flavor that everyone loves. We use butter in both the dough and for brushing the rolls as they bake.

Sugar:

A little bit of sugar is added to feed the yeast and give the rolls a slight sweetness that complements the buttery flavor.

Salt:

Salt is essential for balancing the flavor of the rolls and enhancing the dough’s overall taste.

Eggs:

Eggs help enrich the dough, giving it that perfect, tender crumb and contributing to the softness of the rolls.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making these Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls. You’ll be sinking your teeth into these fluffy rolls in no time!

Prepare the Yeast Mixture:

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, it means the yeast might be old, so it’s best to start over with fresh yeast.

Mix the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and the eggs. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until the dough begins to come together. Then, gradually add the softened butter and continue mixing until a soft dough forms. If you’re kneading by hand, it should take about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and knead for about 6-7 minutes.

Let the Dough Rise:

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Rolls:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball by tucking the edges under and rolling it in your hands. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they are close together but not touching. This helps them rise upwards rather than outwards as they bake.

Let the Rolls Rise Again:

Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are almost touching each other.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re done when you tap them gently, and they sound hollow.

Brush with Butter:

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for that irresistible, buttery finish. This is the secret to those soft, shiny rolls you’ll want to devour.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the rolls warm, either on their own or alongside your favorite meal. They’re perfect for soaking up gravy, enjoying with butter, or just nibbling on as a snack.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 210
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total Carbohydrate: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes rising time)

How to Serve Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls

These rolls are perfect for almost any meal, whether you’re having a cozy dinner at home or hosting a special occasion. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

With Butter:

You can’t go wrong with just a smear of butter. It’s the classic way to enjoy these rolls!

With Soups and Stews:

These rolls are excellent for dipping into your favorite soup, stew, or sauce. They soak up liquid beautifully and complement the richness of the dish.

As a Side to Holiday Meals:

Serve them alongside roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or any festive meal. They’re the perfect addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special dinner.

With Jam or Honey:

For a sweet treat, serve these rolls with a dollop of your favorite jam or a drizzle of honey.

Additional Tips

• Don’t rush the rising time: Let the dough rise properly. It’s essential for getting those fluffy, soft rolls.
• Make them ahead of time: You can shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking. Just let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
• Brush with garlic butter: If you love garlic, brush the rolls with garlic butter before serving for an extra flavor boost.
• Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these rolls in advance?
A1: Yes! You can shape the rolls and store them in the fridge overnight. Just let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Q2: How do I make these rolls softer?
A2: To ensure soft rolls, don’t skip the resting and rising times. Letting the dough rise fully is key to getting that soft, airy texture.

Q3: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A3: Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version, but the texture may be a little denser.

Q4: Can I freeze these rolls?
A4: Absolutely! After baking, let the rolls cool, then store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Q5: Can I add herbs to the dough?
A5: Yes, you can! Adding a bit of garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme to the dough is a great way to infuse extra flavor.

Q6: What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
A6: Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your liquids aren’t too hot. Yeast needs warmth to activate, but temperatures over 110°F can kill it. Also, ensure you’re letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.

Q7: How do I store leftover rolls?
A7: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.

Q8: Can I use a stand mixer instead of kneading by hand?
A8: Yes! You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough. It’ll save you some time and effort.

Q9: Can I make these rolls without eggs?
A9: You can try substituting the eggs with a flaxseed mixture or a store-bought egg replacer, though the texture might be slightly different.

Q10: How can I make these rolls sweeter?
A10: If you like your rolls on the sweeter side, try adding a bit more sugar to the dough or brush them with a sugar glaze after baking.

Conclusion

There you have it—Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls that are light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious. These rolls elevate any meal and bring the perfect balance of flavor and texture with each bite. So, next time you’re in the mood for something fresh out of the oven, don’t forget to whip up a batch of these heavenly rolls. You won’t regret it!

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