Introduction
Nothing compares to the warmth of a Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe straight from the oven — golden, fluffy, and irresistibly fragrant. Imagine breaking open a roll so tender it practically melts in your hand, releasing a buttery aroma that fills your kitchen with comfort. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving dinner, Sunday supper, or just craving fluffy homemade rolls, this recipe delivers bakery-quality perfection right at home.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The secret? Simple ingredients, the right kneading technique, and a touch of melted butter to create that iconic, pillow-soft texture. Once you try this buttery dinner rolls recipe, it will become your go-to bread recipe for every occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🧈 Melt-in-your-mouth softness – Light, fluffy texture that stays soft even the next day.
⏱ Quick prep and easy steps – Perfect for beginners; no fancy equipment needed.
🍽 Versatile – Ideal for holiday meals, breakfast, or as sliders for sandwiches.
💰 Budget-friendly – Made with pantry staples, saving money without sacrificing flavor.
🥖 Perfect flavor balance – Buttery richness meets subtle sweetness.
🎉 Crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves homemade yeast rolls fresh from the oven.
🔥 Golden and glossy finish – That shiny, bakery-perfect top thanks to the egg wash.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
2 teaspoons yeast
3 tablespoons sugar
1¼ cups warm milk
¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil
2 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
For the Egg Wash
1 egg white
2 tablespoons water
For Brushing
2 tablespoons melted butter
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for slightly chewier rolls.
Substitute honey for sugar for a subtle floral sweetness.
Swap olive oil for melted butter for an even richer taste.
Use instant yeast to skip the activation step and speed up the process.
How to Make Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, mix yeast and sugar, then pour in the warm milk (around 110°F). Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy — a sign your yeast is alive and ready to work. This step ensures light, fluffy dinner rolls.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add oil, salt, and eggs to the activated yeast mixture. Stir gently until combined. This mixture enriches the dough, giving it its signature soft crumb.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour & Knead
Add flour one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Proper kneading develops gluten, which traps air and creates soft, chewy homemade yeast rolls.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size. Patience here leads to the perfect texture later.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release air. Divide into 24 equal portions and shape each piece into a ball. Arrange them in a greased baking pan for even baking.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover again and let rise for 30 minutes, or until puffy. This step gives your buttery dinner rolls their cloud-like texture.
Step 7: Preheat & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush rolls with the egg wash for a golden sheen. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and the tops sound hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Add Butter Finish
While still warm, brush rolls generously with melted butter. This locks in moisture and adds that irresistible shine and flavor.
Step 9: Serve Warm
Serve warm with soup, honey butter, or your favorite jam. Each bite is soft, buttery, and heavenly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls
How do I make my rolls extra soft?
Use warm milk and don’t over-knead. Overworking dough makes it dense instead of fluffy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Shape and bake the next day for fresh rolls without the wait.
Why are my rolls not golden brown?
Your oven might be slightly cool — ensure it’s preheated properly and use an egg wash for that shiny golden finish.
Best Ways to Serve
Pair with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.
Use for mini sliders or holiday dinner sides.
Serve warm with herb butter or honey glaze for breakfast.
Nutrition Facts (Per Roll)
Calories: 165
Total Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 140mg
Storage & Leftovers
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat for 5 minutes in a 300°F oven.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but combine half wheat and half all-purpose for balance. 100% wheat may make them denser.
How can I make these rolls vegan?
Replace eggs with flax eggs and butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
Can I make them without a stand mixer?
Absolutely — knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and stretchy.
Variations
Garlic Butter Rolls: Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle parsley before baking.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Rolls: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar between layers.
Sweet Honey Rolls: Glaze with honey butter for a dessert-style twist.
Whole Grain Rolls: Mix in oat flour for extra fiber and nutty flavor.
Conclusion
This Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe captures everything we love about comfort baking — the aroma, the softness, and that first warm bite. Whether for family dinners or festive gatherings, these rolls promise golden perfection every single time.