Description
These fluffy and soft homemade rolls are light, buttery, and perfectly golden on top. Ideal for family dinners, holiday meals, or enjoying warm with a spread of butter, these rolls combine the perfect texture with simple ingredients for a delightful bread experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp melted butter, for brushing
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready for use.
- Add Egg and Butter: Mix in the egg and the softened butter thoroughly into the yeast mixture, ensuring an even blend for a rich dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms without dry flour patches.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8–10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for that soft chewy texture.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until its size doubles.
- Divide Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 12 equal portions, preparing them for shaping.
- Shape Rolls: Roll each piece into a smooth ball by tucking edges under and rotating on a flat surface, then arrange them evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up for a soft crumb.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes until they turn a golden brown color on top, signaling readiness.
- Butter Finish: Immediately brush the warm rolls with melted butter to add richness and moisture, enhancing flavor and softness before serving.
Notes
- Using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour can yield even softer and chewier rolls.
- For added sweetness and flavor, brush the rolls with honey butter after baking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
