🥖 So Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls
The ultimate comfort food — soft, fluffy, slightly sweet dinner rolls that melt in your mouth. Perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or any time you want that irresistible homemade bread aroma filling your kitchen.
📝 Ingredients:
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4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
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2 teaspoons yeast (instant or active dry)
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3 tablespoons sugar (adds a light sweetness and helps feed the yeast)
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1 1/4 cups warm water or milk (milk makes them richer; water keeps them lighter – your choice!)
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1/4 cup oil (neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or even light olive oil)
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2 eggs, room temperature
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1/2 teaspoon salt
🍞 Instructions:
1. Activate the yeast (if using active dry):
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the warm water or milk with the sugar. Stir to dissolve, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to make magic happen.
💡 Using instant yeast? Skip this step — just add it straight into your flour.
2. Mix the dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the oil, eggs, and the yeast mixture (or all wet ingredients if using instant yeast). Stir until the dough starts to come together. It might be a bit sticky at first — that’s totally normal.
If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and mix on medium-low for about 2 minutes until everything is incorporated.
3. Knead the dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes by hand. You want the dough to become smooth, soft, and just a bit tacky but not overly sticky. If it’s too sticky to handle, add a tablespoon of flour at a time as needed.
If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for 5 to 6 minutes.
4. First Rise:
Shape your dough into a smooth ball and place it into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest and rise in a warm, draft-free place (like your oven with the light on) for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
⏱ This is a good time to prep your baking dish, make dinner, or dream about fresh-baked bread!
5. Shape the Rolls:
Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 to 16 equal pieces, depending on the size of rolls you want. Roll each piece into a ball by tucking the edges under and gently pulling the surface tight.
Place the shaped rolls into a greased 9×13” baking pan or arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart if you want more individual sides, or closer together for pull-apart rolls.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls again with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time.
7. Bake:
Place the risen rolls into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound slightly hollow when tapped.
👀 Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes — golden brown is the goal!
8. Finish with Butter:
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter. This gives them that beautiful sheen and adds even more softness and flavor. It’s optional, but highly recommended!
💡 Tips & Variations:
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Make-ahead option:
After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking. -
Add-ins:
Add a tablespoon of chopped herbs (like rosemary or chives) or shredded cheese to the dough for a flavorful twist. -
Dairy-free version:
Use water instead of milk and a neutral oil instead of butter to keep it completely dairy-free. -
Freeze for later:
Freeze baked rolls in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
🧡 Serving Ideas:
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Serve warm with soup, stew, or alongside roasted meats.
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Slice and use for sliders or breakfast sandwiches.
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Slather with honey butter or jam for a sweet treat.
👩🍳 Final Thoughts:
This recipe is more than just bread — it’s comfort in the form of golden, fluffy pillows of joy. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a quiet night in, these rolls are sure to win hearts.
