Soft, fluffy, and golden brown, these Yeast Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Whether served with butter and honey for breakfast or as a side for dinner, these homemade rolls are light, airy, and full of flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re easy to prepare and make any meal feel extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Buttery – These rolls are light, fluffy, and melt in your mouth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or sandwiches.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a foolproof method make these beginner-friendly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh when needed.
- Customizable – Add herbs, garlic, or cheese for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Warm milk
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Butter (melted)
- Eggs
- Salt
Directions
- Activate the yeast – In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the dough – In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough – Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls – Punch down the dough, divide into equal pieces, and roll into balls. Place them in a greased baking dish.
- Second rise – Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with butter – While still warm, brush the tops with melted butter for extra softness and flavor.
- Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12 rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Variations
- Garlic Herb Rolls – Add minced garlic and fresh herbs to the dough or brush with garlic butter after baking.
- Cheesy Rolls – Mix in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère cheese.
- Sweet Honey Rolls – Replace sugar with honey for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Whole Wheat Rolls – Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Cinnamon Butter Rolls – Serve with cinnamon butter for a sweet twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast doesn’t need proofing, so you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh, and your milk is warm but not too hot (about 110°F).
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight and bake the next day.
How do I make these rolls extra soft?
Use a little extra butter and avoid overbaking.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk will work.
How do I get perfectly shaped rolls?
Use a kitchen scale to weigh each dough ball for even sizes.
Can I add sugar for a sweeter roll?
Yes! Increase the sugar slightly for a lightly sweet version.
How do I prevent my rolls from getting hard?
Store them in an airtight container and brush with butter after baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use two baking pans and adjust rising times as needed.
Can I bake these in a cast iron skillet?
Yes! A cast iron skillet gives them a nice crust while keeping them soft inside.
Conclusion
These Yeast Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Whether enjoyed warm with butter or used as sandwich rolls, they are easy to make and always a crowd favorite. Try this homemade recipe today and enjoy fresh, bakery-style rolls right from your kitchen!
Print
Yeast Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 ½ to 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 ½ hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Classic
Description
These soft and fluffy yeast rolls are light, buttery, and perfectly golden, making them the ultimate dinner rolls. Perfect for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or anytime you crave fresh, homemade bread, they are easy to make and can even be prepared ahead of time!
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra fluffiness)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast (or instant yeast for a quicker rise)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast (Skip this step if using instant yeast)
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Add melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture.
- Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. (If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5 minutes.)
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape & Second Rise
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
Serving & Storage
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Notes
- Want extra soft rolls? Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- No milk? Use water and an extra tablespoon of butter.
- Make-ahead tip: Refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise, then shape and bake the next day!