Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with real butter, milk, and eggs, these rolls are a delight to your taste buds.
- Ease of Preparation: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple and straightforward.
- Nutrition: Homemade rolls can be healthier than store-bought versions, as you control the ingredients.
- Versatility: Perfect for any meal, from breakfast with jam to dinner with savory dishes, these rolls fit right in.
- Presentation: Golden brown and fluffy rolls make an impressive addition to any table setting.
You’ll love making these rolls as they’ll impress your family and friends!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: About 2-2.5 hours
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Note that times may vary depending on your kitchen conditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 – 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very soft (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a slightly sweet version)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated.
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix using the paddle attachment until well combined.
- Gradually add 4 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Once all the flour is incorporated, switch to the dough hook attachment.
- Knead the dough on medium-low speed for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is still very sticky after 4 cups of flour, add the remaining 1/2 cup a little at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still tacky to the touch.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.
- Punch down the dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 15 equal pieces (about a tablespoon-sized).
- Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling the edges toward the center and pinching to seal. Place the ball seam-side down and cup your hand around it, gently rolling in a circular motion to create surface tension and a perfectly round shape.
- Arrange the shaped rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spacing them evenly. Cover and let rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 45-60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Before baking, gently brush the tops of the rolls with some of the very soft butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown on top and baked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read about 190°F.
- While still hot from the oven, brush the tops generously with more soft butter, allowing it to melt into the warm rolls. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or drizzle with honey.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before serving warm.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve the rolls in a beautiful basket, wrapped in a clean cloth for warmth.
- Accompaniments: Pair with butter, homemade jam, or honey for a delightful touch.
- Portions: Plan for 2-3 rolls per person, depending on your meal.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of milk for breakfast or a light red wine for dinner.
These rolls will be a hit at any gathering!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Add herbs such as rosemary or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
- Customization: Experiment with different types of flour like whole wheat for a healthier option.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these rolls alongside soups, salads, or as a side for your favorite main dishes.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Rolls: Add shredded cheese to the dough for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Rolls: Mix in dried herbs like thyme or basil for a fragrant aroma.
- Sweet Rolls: Incorporate cinnamon and sugar into the dough for sweet breakfast rolls.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Dough hook attachment
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
- Instant-read thermometer
FAQ’s
- Can I use frozen ingredients?: Yes, you can use frozen milk but make sure it’s thawed and warmed to 110°F before using.
- Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?: This recipe contains dairy and eggs; you can substitute with plant-based alternatives for a vegan option.
- Can I make these rolls ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight for an easier morning.
- How can I customize the flavor?: Add your favorite herbs or spices to the dough for a personal touch.
- What are alternative cooking methods?: You can also cook these rolls in an air fryer for a quicker bake.
Conclusion
Soft and buttery homemade rolls are not only delicious but also a wonderful addition to any meal. With their delightful flavor and appealing golden crust, they’re perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even just as a treat for yourself. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the wonderful aromas and flavors that fill your kitchen!
Soft Butter Rolls
Enjoy these soft, buttery rolls that are easy to make and perfect for any meal. Their golden brown crust and fluffy interior will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated.
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix using the paddle attachment until well combined.
- Gradually add 4 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Once all the flour is incorporated, switch to the dough hook attachment.
- Knead the dough on medium-low speed for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is still very sticky after 4 cups of flour, add the remaining 1/2 cup a little at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still tacky to the touch.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.
Shaping and Baking
- Punch down the dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 15 equal pieces (about a tablespoon-sized).
- Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling the edges toward the center and pinching to seal. Place the ball seam-side down and cup your hand around it, gently rolling in a circular motion to create surface tension and a perfectly round shape.
- Arrange the shaped rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spacing them evenly. Cover and let rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 45-60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Before baking, gently brush the tops of the rolls with some of the very soft butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown on top and baked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read about 190°F.
- While still hot from the oven, brush the tops generously with more soft butter, allowing it to melt into the warm rolls. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or drizzle with honey.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before serving warm.
Notes
Serve the rolls in a beautiful basket wrapped in a clean cloth for warmth. Pair with butter, homemade jam, or honey for a delightful touch. Plan for 2-3 rolls per person, depending on your meal.
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