There’s just something magical about tearing into a batch of Soft Buttery Rolls—the pillowy texture, the golden, glossy tops, and that irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. These rolls are a tried-and-true favorite in my kitchen, perfect for soaking up sauces, cradling a swipe of jam, or simply devouring warm with a little extra butter. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy Sunday dinner, or to impress your friends at brunch, these Soft Buttery Rolls are pure comfort and absolutely unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Soft Buttery Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Soft Buttery Rolls come together with just a few pantry staples, but each one brings something special to the table. From the creamy richness of butter to the tenderness that only milk and egg can offer, every ingredient helps create the softest, most flavorful rolls imaginable.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the rolls, giving them structure and that classic, fluffy crumb.
Active dry yeast: This magical ingredient helps the rolls rise so they’re light, airy, and full of delicious nooks.
Warm milk: Provides moisture and richness, and helps activate the yeast to ensure tender rolls.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that ties the flavors together.
Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses luxurious buttery flavor into every bite and keeps the rolls moist.
Large egg: Adds richness and helps the dough come together with a beautiful texture.
Salt: Essential for elevating all the other flavors and balancing the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (melted, for brushing): The final brush gives the rolls their tempting sheen and an extra layer of rich flavor.

How to Make Soft Buttery Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Give everything a quick stir and let it sit for about five to ten minutes, just until the mixture becomes foamy on top. This bubbles-up activity is a sign your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, setting the stage for impossibly soft Soft Buttery Rolls.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Next, add the melted butter, egg, and salt to your activated yeast mixture. Mix everything together well. Then, start adding the flour—just a cup at a time—to form a soft dough. This gradual approach helps prevent overloading the dough and keeps things perfectly tender. Once it comes together, you’re ready for a little kneading workout!

Step 3: Knead ’Til Smooth

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for eight to ten minutes, or use a stand mixer with the dough hook for five to six minutes. The goal is a smooth, elastic dough that feels extra pillowy in your hands. This process builds structure and ensures that famously fluffy interior that defines great Soft Buttery Rolls.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Shape your smooth dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a towel or some plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for one to one and a half hours. Patience pays off here—the dough should double in size, hinting at how plush the finished rolls will be.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the risen dough gently to release excess air, then divide it into twelve equal pieces. Shape each bit into a smooth ball, tucking edges underneath to get a gorgeous round shape. Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover again and let your rolls rise for another thirty to forty minutes, so they become beautifully puffy.

Step 6: Bake and Brush

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while those rolls do their final puff. Bake for fifteen to eighteen minutes until they’re golden brown on top and your kitchen smells like heaven. As soon as they’re out of the oven, brush the hot rolls generously with melted butter. This last step ensures your Soft Buttery Rolls are irresistible, glistening, and, yes, extra buttery.

How to Serve Soft Buttery Rolls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) can make your Soft Buttery Rolls pop with flavor and color. Or, try a dusting of garlic powder before the final butter brush for savory lovers. There’s just something about that glossy finish and a little extra sparkle!

Side Dishes

These rolls are the ultimate accompaniment to soups, stews, roasted meats, and holiday spreads. Pair them with a creamy bowl of chowder, a rich roast, or alongside your favorite breakfast eggs and you’ll have a meal that makes everyone swoon for “just one more” roll.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Soft Buttery Rolls in a bread basket lined with a cheerful cloth napkin, or arrange them artfully on a wooden board with small bowls of flavored butters and jams. For gatherings, “pull-apart” style in the baking dish is both impressive and inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Soft Buttery Rolls left over, simply cool them completely before storing in an airtight container or resealable bag. They’ll stay soft at room temperature for up to two days—perfect for reheating or enjoying with leftovers.

Freezing

Bake a batch in advance and freeze for later! Let your Soft Buttery Rolls cool fully, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—just thaw and warm whenever you need a little extra comfort.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked softness, reheat rolls in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 8–10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying. Or, pop one in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If you like, add a quick swipe of butter for that out-of-the-oven feel!

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and add it directly to your flour, mixing as usual. Your Soft Buttery Rolls will rise a bit faster, so keep an eye on them during both rise times.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries—these rolls are delightfully easy to make by hand. Just give yourself a little extra time for kneading, and trust me, it’s worth the upper-arm workout for the ultra-soft results.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough and let it rise once, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature, shape the rolls, give them their second rise, and bake as usual. Fresh Soft Buttery Rolls with almost no last-minute fuss.

Can I add mix-ins like cheese or herbs?

Definitely! Finely shredded cheddar, chopped fresh rosemary, or other favorite herbs can be worked into the dough after the first rise. They’ll add personality and delicious flair to your Soft Buttery Rolls.

How can I ensure my rolls are soft and not dry?

Be mindful not to over-bake; pull them from the oven as soon as they’re golden and a tester comes out clean. Also, brushing with butter while hot is key for sealing in moisture and boosting that signature soft texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort or want to make any meal feel extra special, you can’t go wrong whipping up a batch of Soft Buttery Rolls. Share them, savor them fresh and warm, and watch them disappear—these rolls are pure joy, and they’re about to become your new go-to bake!

Soft Buttery Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Buttery Rolls are a must-have at any dinner table. With their fluffy texture and rich buttery flavor, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. This easy recipe will have you baking up a batch in no time!

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt

For Brushing:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, salt, and gradually add flour, knead until smooth.
Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, let rise until doubled in size.
Shape: Divide dough, shape into balls, place in baking dish, let rise again.
Bake: Preheat oven, bake rolls until golden brown. Brush with melted butter.

Notes

You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate after the first rise. Bring to room temperature before baking.
These rolls freeze well once baked—reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American