Description
These Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are tender, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Made from scratch with simple ingredients like warm milk, yeast, butter, and flour, they come together with an easy rise and bake method to create the perfect golden brown, melt-in-your-mouth dinner rolls.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
Optional
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for brushing
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the melted butter, salt, and egg. Next, add the frothy yeast mixture and stir until combined thoroughly.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until a dough forms that begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough rises for the second time.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean cloth and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Bake Rolls: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown on top.
- Optional Butter Brush: For a soft, glossy finish, brush the hot rolls with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.
- Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading is crucial for developing gluten which gives the rolls their soft, chewy texture.
- You can add herbs or garlic to the dough for flavored rolls.
- These rolls freeze well; store in an airtight container once cooled.
- Brush with butter right after baking for an extra soft crust.
