Fluffy Homemade Yeast Rolls Recipe: Bakery-Fresh Goodness

Soft, pillowy yeast rolls have been my weekend comfort since childhood.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back with each batch I knead.

Warm bread aromas fill the house, promising deliciousness ahead.

Simple ingredients come together like magic, creating tender, fluffy clouds of delectable goodness.

No complicated techniques stand between you and bakery-worthy rolls right from your own oven.

Salt, flour, and a touch of love make these rolls irresistible.

Each bite promises pure, comforting satisfaction that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Yeast Roll FAQs Answered

• How do I know if my yeast is still active?

Check for foaming when mixed with warm milk and sugar. If no foam develops after 10 minutes, the yeast is likely dead and you’ll need fresh yeast.

• Can I use cold milk instead of warm milk?

No, warm milk is crucial for activating the yeast. The temperature should be around 110°F (43°C) to help yeast bloom properly.

• What happens if my yeast doesn't foam?

This means the yeast is inactive. Possible reasons include expired yeast, water too hot or too cold, or old yeast that has lost its potency. Always check expiration dates and use fresh yeast.

• Is sugar necessary when activating yeast?

Yes, sugar provides food for the yeast and helps it activate and multiply. Without sugar, the yeast may not properly bloom and rise.

What Makes Yeast Rolls So Pillowy

• Incredibly simple recipe that requires minimal baking skills, making it an excellent starting point for novice bakers wanting to master bread-making.
• Warm, pillowy yeast rolls deliver that irresistible homemade touch guaranteed to make everyone at the dinner table happy, from kids to grandparents.
• Adaptable side dish that complements countless meals, from holiday gatherings to weeknight dinners, adding a touch of warmth and love to any spread.

Ingredients for Soft and Fluffy Yeast Rolls

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising, creates light and fluffy texture. Fresh yeast works best, check expiration date.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps activate fermentation process. White granulated sugar is standard.
• Warm Milk: Provides ideal environment for yeast activation. Whole milk recommended for richer flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Core structure of rolls, provides necessary gluten for bread development. Unbleached flour preferred.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth. Use fine sea salt or kosher salt.

• Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb to rolls. Unsalted butter allows better flavor control. Room temperature recommended.
• Eggs: Provides moisture and helps bind ingredients. Large eggs work best.

How to Make Yeast Rolls from Scratch

Activate the Yeast Magic

In a cozy small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Gently stir the ingredients together, then allow the mixture to rest peacefully for 5-10 minutes. Watch as the yeast comes to life, creating a delightful foamy surface that signals it’s ready for action.

Prepare the Dough Base

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Softened butter

Create a welcoming nest in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the activated yeast mixture into this flour crater and begin mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead to Perfection

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll up your sleeves and knead the dough for 8-10 minutes. Push, fold, and turn the dough with enthusiasm. The goal is a smooth, elastic texture that springs back when gently pressed.

First Rise of Deliciousness

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal portions. Roll each portion into smooth, round balls. Arrange the rolls on a greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll.

Second Rise and Preparation

Cover the shaped rolls with a kitchen towel. Allow them to rise again for 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F during the final rise.

Bake to Golden Perfection

• Melted butter
• Egg wash (optional)

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Cool and Enjoy

Remove the rolls from the oven. Let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm with a pat of butter or your favorite spread.

Baking Tips for Light, Airy Rolls

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk temperature is between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating the ideal foamy activation.
• Knead with Care: Develop gluten by kneading dough until smooth and elastic, which creates soft, fluffy rolls with perfect texture.
• Rise in Warm Spots: Place dough in a draft-free, warm area around 80-85°F to help rolls rise evenly and efficiently.
• Brush for Golden Shine: Coat rolls with melted butter or egg wash before baking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that looks professionally baked.
• Store Smart: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to a month to maintain freshness.

Storing Yeast Rolls After Baking

• Store leftover yeast rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover rolls completely to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to prevent burning. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through and soft.
• Heat rolls for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to maintain their tender, fluffy texture.

What to Eat with Homemade Yeast Rolls

• Whip softened butter with fresh rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of sea salt to elevate the bread's rich flavor profile.
• Select a medium-bodied Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that balances the rolls' soft texture and provides a warm, robust backdrop.
• Serve these rolls alongside a creamy tomato bisque or a rustic butternut squash soup for a comforting, classic combination that hugs your taste buds.
• Prepare a quick goat cheese spread mixed with roasted garlic and chopped chives to add a zesty contrast to the rolls' subtle sweetness.

Flavor Swaps for Classic Yeast Rolls

• Gluten-Free Rolls: Swap wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour to create tender, soft rolls perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Whole Wheat Version: Replace half the white flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nutty, rustic flavor that boosts nutritional value.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk, and substitute olive oil for butter to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs.
• Herbed Savory Rolls: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano directly into the dough for an aromatic and flavorful bread variation that pairs beautifully with soups and salads.

Yeast Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pillowy golden yeast rolls emerge as comfort wrapped in a warm, buttery embrace. Southern kitchens sparkle with these tender bread treasures that welcome friends and family around any table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 egg

Liquid Ingredients:

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Seasoning and Sweeteners:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Finishing Ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing after baking)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast mixture by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small container, allowing the blend to rest and become frothy, which typically takes 5-10 minutes.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and softened butter, creating a preliminary dough foundation.
3. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour blend, stirring gradually to form a cohesive, slightly sticky dough.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead methodically for 6-8 minutes, developing gluten and achieving a smooth, elastic texture.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth to create a warm, draft-free environment for rising.
6. Allow the dough to rise in a warm location for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume and appears puffy.
7. Punch down the expanded dough to release trapped air, then divide and shape into individual rolls on a prepared baking surface.
8. Cover the shaped rolls and permit a second rise for 30-45 minutes, enabling them to become light and airy.
9. Preheat the oven to the specified temperature, then bake the rolls until they transform into a golden-brown, appetizing color.
10. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter for enhanced flavor and a glossy finish.

Notes

• Choose lukewarm milk between 100-110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it.
• Proof yeast carefully by watching for a foamy, bubbly surface which indicates active fermentation.
• Knead dough thoroughly for 6-8 minutes to develop gluten and create soft, fluffy texture.
• Store leftover rolls in airtight container and reheat gently in oven wrapped in foil to maintain moisture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg