These Old-Fashioned Soft and Buttery Yeast Rolls are perfect for any family meal or special occasion. They are incredibly soft, buttery, and have a slight sweetness that makes them irresistible. Here’s a delicious recipe for making them from scratch:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour (more for dusting)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm water (optional, for extra moisture)
For the Butter Coating:
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey (optional for added sweetness)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F/45°C) and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, and stir gently to dissolve. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but the dough should be soft and slightly tacky. If it’s too dry, add a bit of warm water to reach the right consistency.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions (or more if you prefer smaller rolls).
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball, pinching the edges underneath to create a smooth top. Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each roll to allow for expansion.
5. Second Rise:
- Cover the rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size and are puffy.
6. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Brush with Butter:
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with the melted butter and honey mixture for extra richness and a slightly sweet flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended for that soft, buttery finish.
8. Serve:
- Let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. They are perfect as a side dish with dinner or even on their own as a snack.
Tips:
- For extra fluffy rolls, let the dough rise longer, and make sure your yeast is fresh.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance, let it rise in the fridge overnight, then shape and bake the rolls the next day.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze well. After baking and brushing with butter, allow them to cool completely, then freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Enjoy these soft, buttery rolls at your next meal, and they’ll definitely be a crowd-pleaser!