Short Description
These Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are light, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they have a soft texture with a golden, buttery crust. Whether served with soup, coffee, or as a side for a holiday dinner, these rolls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft and fluffy texture with a golden, buttery finish.
Easy to make with simple ingredients.
Perfect for any occasion, from everyday meals to holiday feasts.
Versatile—great as dinner rolls, sandwich buns, or breakfast bread.
Make-ahead friendly, so you can prepare in advance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
Yeast
Sugar
Warm milk
Olive oil or avocado oil
Eggs
Salt
Egg white + water (for egg wash)
Melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the yeast and sugar.
Pour in the warm milk and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough
Add the oil, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them on a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Bake the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush the rolls with the egg wash (egg white mixed with water) for a golden brown finish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
6. Finish with Butter
Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter for extra softness and flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 rolls
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
Garlic Butter Rolls: Mix minced garlic with the melted butter before brushing.
Cheese Rolls: Sprinkle shredded cheese inside the dough before rolling.
Sweet Rolls: Increase the sugar to ½ cup and brush with honey butter after baking.
Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
Herb Rolls: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast without proofing it. Simply mix it directly with the flour.
How do I know when my dough is ready after kneading?
The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, shape the rolls, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
How can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Use dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) and replace butter with a vegan alternative.
Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
Ensure your yeast is fresh, and that the milk is warm (not hot) to activate it properly.
Can I make larger or smaller rolls?
Yes, adjust the size as needed, but note that baking times may vary slightly.
How do I keep my rolls soft?
Brushing with butter after baking helps keep them soft, and storing in an airtight container prevents drying out.
What can I serve with these rolls?
They pair well with soups, salads, roasted meats, or as sandwich buns.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but bread flour will make the rolls slightly chewier.
Can I add fillings to the rolls?
Yes! Try stuffing them with cheese, jam, or cinnamon sugar for a fun twist.
Conclusion
These Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls are an absolute must-try for any bread lover. With their fluffy texture, rich flavor, and endless variations, they’re perfect for any meal. Whether served warm with butter or used for sandwiches, they will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful rolls!

Soft and Buttery Homemade Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk
- 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Finishing Touch:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast:
- In a large bowl, mix yeast and sugar.
- Add warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
2️⃣ Make the Dough:
- Add oil, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing as you go.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3️⃣ First Rise:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4️⃣ Shape the Rolls:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball and arrange them in a greased baking pan.
5️⃣ Second Rise:
- Let the rolls rest and rise for another 30 minutes.
6️⃣ Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the dough with egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden.
7️⃣ Final Touch:
- Brush the warm rolls with melted butter for extra softness and flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra fluffy rolls, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- To make them sweeter, increase the sugar to 4 tablespoons.
- These rolls freeze well! Store in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
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