If there’s one thing that can instantly elevate a meal and bring warmth to any table, it’s a basket of Buttery Homemade Rolls. These pillowy-soft, golden rolls are everything you want in comfort food: rich with real butter, deliciously soft inside, and just the right amount of sweetness and tender chew. Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, a family brunch, or a simple weeknight meal, Buttery Homemade Rolls are sure to become your new obsession—they’re simple to make, outrageously good, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Buttery Homemade Rolls is that the ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a starring role in creating their memorable texture and irresistible flavor. Let’s break down the essentials you’ll need before you dive in.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, bringing structure while keeping the rolls tender.
- Active dry yeast: Adds lift and lightness, making each roll delicately airy.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the richness and helps feed the yeast.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! This deepens all the flavors and keeps the rolls from tasting flat.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness for that perfect soft crumb.
- Water: Helps activate the yeast and blend the dough.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Rich buttery taste throughout, and an extra drizzle for that glossy finish.
- Large egg: Makes the dough extra supple and helps the rolls rise beautifully in the oven.
- Unsalted butter (melted, for brushing): The finishing touch that gives each roll an irresistible sheen and flavor burst.
How to Make Buttery Homemade Rolls
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combine 1½ cups of the flour with the active dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients together helps the yeast distribute evenly and ensures the foundation of the Buttery Homemade Rolls is flavorful from the very start.
Step 2: Warm the Dairy Mixture
In a small saucepan, heat up the milk, water, and your first batch of melted butter until the mixture is very warm but not hot—about 110°F is the sweet spot. This temperature helps activate the yeast while keeping everything mellow and ready for rising.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Pour the warm butter-milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Using either a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat everything until smooth. Next, add your egg and mix again. The dough will start coming together, and you’ll see how the egg adds a lovely richness to the whole batch.
Step 4: Finish the Dough and Knead
Gradually stir in the rest of the flour, about ½ cup at a time, until you get a soft, slightly tacky dough. Once it starts coming together, turn it out onto a floured countertop and knead for 6 to 8 minutes. What you’re looking for is a smooth, elastic dough—this is where the Buttery Homemade Rolls get their signature texture!
Step 5: Let It Rise
Place your dough ball into a greased bowl, turning once so everything’s lightly coated. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and place it somewhere warm. In about an hour, it’ll double in size—and yes, this part is worth the wait, as it ensures fluffy, light rolls every time.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
After gently punching down the risen dough, divide it into 12 to 15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and arrange them snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them again and let rise a second time—about 30 to 40 minutes—so they’ll be perfectly puffy once baked.
Step 7: Bake and Brush with Butter
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide the baking dish onto the center rack, and bake your Buttery Homemade Rolls for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re golden brown on top. As soon as they emerge, generously brush them with more melted butter for the ultimate finish. Let them cool just a bit and enjoy the irresistible aroma!
How to Serve Buttery Homemade Rolls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of fresh chopped parsley makes these Buttery Homemade Rolls look as inviting as they taste. For an extra-special twist, try brushing them with a little garlic or herb-infused butter just before serving—your guests will swoon!
Side Dishes
These rolls are the perfect partner for almost any meal. They soak up gravy beside roast chicken, add homey warmth to chili night, and make even the simplest soup feel like a feast. Buttery Homemade Rolls fit right in with any dinner, from busy weeknights to holiday spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your rolls! Tuck them into a linen-lined basket for classic charm, arrange them in a circular “pull-apart” pattern for sharing, or serve mini versions as sliders at your next party. However you style them, Buttery Homemade Rolls guarantee smiles all around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply store your Buttery Homemade Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and delectable, ready for snacking or side-dish duty any time.
Freezing
Buttery Homemade Rolls are freezer-friendly! Once cooled, wrap them tightly in foil and pop into a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, making them a lifesaver for future meals or gatherings when you want freshly-baked flavor in a snap.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your rolls in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 10 minutes. They’ll taste just like they’re fresh out of the oven. If you froze them, thaw first before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Swap in an equal amount of instant yeast, and you can skip the first rise—just let the rolls rise after shaping and proceed as usual with baking your Buttery Homemade Rolls.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk and a quality dairy-free butter, though the taste and texture may vary slightly. You’ll still get soft and satisfying rolls with that classic homemade vibe.
Why is my dough not rising?
Double-check that your yeast isn’t expired and that your milk-butter mixture isn’t too hot; temperatures above 115°F can harm the yeast. A warm, draft-free spot helps too—sometimes a little patience is all it takes!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! Shape the dough balls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come back to room temperature and rise slightly before baking for fresh Buttery Homemade Rolls in a flash.
How do I add herbs or other flavors?
Stir fresh herbs or a pinch of garlic powder into the melted butter before brushing over the baked rolls, or mix them right into the dough for extra flavor throughout.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Buttery Homemade Rolls enough—they’re such a joy to make and even more rewarding to share. There’s just something magical about pulling a batch of fresh, buttery rolls out of the oven and watching everyone light up. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a beloved part of your own kitchen traditions!
Print
Buttery Homemade Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buttery Homemade Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. With a rich buttery flavor and a golden crust, they will quickly become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For brushing:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Heat milk, water, and butter until warm. Mix with flour, then add the egg.
- Knead and Rise: Gradually add the remaining flour, knead the dough, let it rise until doubled.
- Shape and Bake: Divide dough, shape into balls, let rise again, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.
- Finish: Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix garlic powder or herbs into the melted butter.
- These rolls freeze well—reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour 30 minutes rising time)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
