Description
These soft and buttery homemade rolls are perfect for any meal or occasion. With a tender crumb and golden crust, they are easy to make from scratch using simple ingredients. The rolls are made with warm milk, yeast, butter, and flour, rising twice for a fluffy texture. Finished with an optional buttery glaze, they’re delicious served warm straight from the oven.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for brushing
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and stir until well incorporated.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, half a cup at a time, stirring to combine until a dough forms that begins to pull from the sides of the bowl. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough to release gas. Divide it into 12 equal portions, shape each into a ball, and arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
- Butter Glaze (Optional): Remove the hot rolls from the oven and brush with melted butter for a glossy, buttery finish and extra softness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast; aim for about 110°F (45°C).
- For softer rolls, you can increase the butter brushed on top after baking.
- If preferred, substitute some all-purpose flour with bread flour for chewier texture.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 2-3 days.
- These rolls can be frozen after baking; thaw and warm before serving.