Homemade Soft Bread Rolls Ultimate Recipe

Emma here, sharing my passion for homemade soft bread rolls. There’s something truly magical about transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary, like cloud-soft homemade bread. Imagine the aroma that fills the house as these rolls bake, bringing warmth and comfort to any gathering.

Growing up, weekends often meant family dinners where homemade soft bread rolls were always the star of the table. These rolls not only complement meals but also bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection. Crafting these rolls from scratch is a rewarding experience, turning baking into a delightful adventure.

Let me guide you through this culinary journey of making the most delicious homemade soft bread rolls. With a few staple ingredients and some patience, you’ll master the technique and enjoy freshly baked rolls that elevate every meal. It’s not just about the rolls themselves but the shared experiences and memories they evoke.

Homemade Soft Bread Rolls

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 14–16 rolls 1x

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Description

Learn how to make delicious homemade soft bread rolls from scratch with this easy recipe. Perfect for sandwiches or as a side dish. Click to bake now!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) s Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (1 standard packet)
• 2 Tablespoon (30 ml) s granulated sugar, divided
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) (4 Tbsp (60 ml); 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
• 3 cups (390 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour* (spooned & leveled)
• optional topping: 2 Tablespoon s (28 g) melted unsalted butter mixed with 1 Tablespoon honey

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Instructions

1. Start by combining the warmed milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes. If you prefer, you can use a large mixing bowl and a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for this step, although it will require more manual effort. A hand mixer is possible but tends to get clogged with dough, so manual mixing is recommended.
2. Next, incorporate the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Using a dough hook or paddle attachment, mix on a low setting for 30 seconds. Use a silicone spatula to scrape down the bowl’s sides, then add the rest of the flour. Continue mixing on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the bowl, approximately 2 minutes. If the dough is excessively wet, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s manageable yet slightly sticky.
3. Proceed to knead the dough by letting the mixer run for another 5 minutes or by kneading manually on a floured surface for the same duration. If the dough becomes overly sticky, sprinkle small amounts of flour to make it soft and slightly tacky. Avoid adding too much flour to prevent dryness. After kneading, ensure the dough feels soft and bounces back when poked. You can also perform a windowpane test by stretching a small piece of dough to see if it lets light through without tearing. If it doesn’t, continue kneading until it does.
4. For the first rise, lightly coat a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl, ensuring it’s covered in oil. Cover with foil, plastic wrap, or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch square or round pans by greasing them. You can also use a cast iron skillet or a lined baking sheet.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air, then divide it into 14-16 equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in the prepared pan.
7. For the second rise, cover the shaped dough balls with foil, plastic wrap, or a towel, and let them rise until they become puffy, about 1 hour.
8. Set your oven rack to a lower position and preheat to 350°F (177°C) to ensure the tops don’t over-brown during baking.
9. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden, rotating the pan halfway through. If they brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Once baked, remove from oven, optionally brush with honey butter, and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Store any remaining rolls tightly covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation into the dough.
• Use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl while mixing for thorough ingredient blending.
• Adjust dough consistency during kneading with small amounts of flour to prevent stickiness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 5g
• Protein: 3g

Keywords: yeast rolls, homemade rolls, bread rolls, soft dough, fluffy rolls, honey butter

Homemade Soft Bread Rolls: A Culinary Journey

Fundamentals

Creating homemade soft bread rolls starts with understanding the fundamentals. The core ingredients—warm milk, Red Star instant yeast, sugar, egg, butter, salt, and flour—are transformed into a dough that’s both soft and airy. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

The yeast is a key player here, responsible for the rise and fluffiness of the rolls. It’s essential to let the yeast activate in warm milk with a bit of sugar, creating a bubbly, frothy mixture that ensures a successful rise. This step is foundational in the art of bread-making.

Preparation/Setup

To prepare, gather your ingredients and tools. A stand mixer makes the process more manageable, but you can also knead the dough by hand. Start by combining the warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar, allowing them to sit for five minutes. This is the moment where the magic begins.

Next, mix in the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and a cup of flour. This forms the dough’s base. Gradually incorporate the rest of the flour, ensuring the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It’s crucial to strike the right balance between sticky and manageable, which is part of the fun of homemade fluffy bread rolls.

The Art of Bread Making

Technique

Kneading is where the dough develops its structure and elasticity. Whether using a mixer or your hands, aim for a dough that’s soft yet slightly tacky. Knead for about five minutes, testing with the windowpane method to ensure it’s ready. Stretch a small piece; if it doesn’t tear and lets light through, you’re on the right track.

This kneading process is crucial for developing gluten, which is what gives bread its chewy texture. Mastering this technique is a step toward achieving those perfect soft and fluffy bread rolls that everyone loves.

Tips/Tricks

For beginner bakers, the dough consistency can be a bit daunting. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. However, resist the urge to over-flour, as this can lead to dry rolls. Patience is key during the rise times; let the dough double in size for the best results.

Another tip is to create a warm environment for the dough to rise. An oven with the light on or a warm spot in the kitchen works wonders. This gentle warmth encourages the yeast to activate fully, ensuring fluffy, light rolls.

Perfecting Your Bread Rolls

Perfecting Results

After the first rise, the dough is ready to be shaped. Divide it into equal portions, shaping each into a smooth ball. This step requires a gentle touch to maintain the dough’s airy texture. Place the balls in a greased baking pan, leaving space for them to expand during the second rise.

Baking is where the rolls truly come to life. Preheat your oven to 350°F, ensuring your oven rack is set low to prevent over-browning. Bake until the tops are golden, rotating the pan halfway for even cooking. This careful attention to detail results in rolls that are not only visually appealing but also delightful to eat.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your rolls aren’t turning out as expected, consider a few common troubleshooting tips. If they’re dense, it might be due to insufficient rising time or over-kneading. Adjusting these factors can make a significant difference. For a twist on the classic, try brushing with a honey-butter mixture for a touch of sweetness, reminiscent of cinnamon walnut rolls.

Experimenting with different flavor additions, like herbs or spices, can also give your rolls a unique flair. This adaptability is one of the joys of baking, allowing you to tailor each batch to your tastes.

Serving and Storing Your Creations

Serving/Presentation

Presentation is the final touch in serving homemade soft bread rolls. Arrange them in a basket lined with a cloth napkin to keep them warm. A drizzle of honey butter adds a glossy finish, enhancing both flavor and appearance. These rolls are perfect as a side for any meal, adding a comforting element to your dining experience.

The versatility of these rolls makes them a staple for various occasions, from casual dinners to holiday feasts. Their soft, pillowy texture pairs well with savory dishes, complementing and enhancing the overall meal.

Pairings/Storage

Homemade soft bread rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later enjoyment. Keep them tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a week. If you find yourself with leftovers, consider repurposing them into delicious bread puddings or sandwiches, similar to our banana bread recipe.

These rolls also freeze well. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly in the oven to restore their softness.

Conclusion

Homemade soft bread rolls offer a rewarding baking experience. Mastering their creation allows you to bring warmth and comfort to your meals, creating opportunities for connection and celebration. Their simplicity and versatility make them a staple in any kitchen, perfect for any occasion.

The beauty of these rolls lies in their ability to transform basic ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe provides the foundation for delicious homemade rolls that will impress and delight.

FAQs – Homemade Soft Bread Rolls