Roll Recipe: If you’ve ever tasted freshly baked rolls straight out of the oven, you’ll understand why they are often called “comfort food.” The soft, warm, and fluffy texture of a roll is hard to beat, whether you’re enjoying them on their own or paired with a hearty meal. Baking rolls at home may seem intimidating, but with the right recipe, it’s a breeze. In this blog post, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect soft and fluffy rolls, ideal for dinner, sandwiches, or even just a snack with butter.

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Why Homemade Rolls?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate why homemade rolls (Roll Recipe) are a cut above the store-bought variety. While store-bought rolls may be convenient, they often lack the soft, fresh taste that only comes from baking them yourself. Homemade rolls can be customized to your taste—whether you want them buttery, herby, or slightly sweet. Plus, there’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread that fills your kitchen and invites everyone to gather around the table.

Read More: How to Make a Burger: A Simple Guide to Crafting the Perfect Homemade Burger

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients, most of which are pantry staples:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing and brushing)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup warm water (for dissolving the yeast)

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer with a dough hook (optional but recommended for ease)
• A large baking dish or sheet pan
• A kitchen towel or plastic wrap for covering dough while it rises
• A pastry brush (optional, for brushing the rolls with melted butter after baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Now, let’s walk through the steps to create these soft, fluffy rolls.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Before you start making the dough, you need to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the yeast is fully dissolved. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.[Roll Recipe]

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Use a whisk to mix them together evenly. Once your yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the dry ingredients along with the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together.

At this point, you have two options: knead by hand or use a stand mixer. If you’re using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and let it run at a low speed for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re kneading by hand, lightly flour[Roll Recipe] a clean surface and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly tacky, but not sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

Once your dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the bowl in an oven with the light on to provide some warmth.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions. You can use a bench scraper or your hands to divide the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased baking dish or sheet pan. Make sure the rolls are close together but not touching, as they will rise further during the second proofing stage.[Roll Recipe]

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the shaped rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size and are touching each other.

Step 6: Baking the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls are rising. Once they have puffed up, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Butter the Rolls

As soon as you pull the rolls out of the oven, brush them with some melted butter to give them a shiny, golden finish. This step is optional but will add extra flavor and a beautiful appearance to the rolls.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then pull them apart and enjoy! They are delicious on their own or served with butter, jam, or your favorite spreads. These rolls also make great sandwich buns, or you can pair them with soups, stews, or your favorite holiday meal.

Tips for Perfect Rolls:

1. Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your milk, butter, and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can slow down the yeast’s activation process.
2. Don’t overflour: When kneading the dough, add just enough flour to prevent it from sticking to your hands or work surface. Adding too much flour will result in dense rolls.
3. Proper rising time: Allow enough time for the dough to rise. Rushing this step can result in rolls that are dense or not as soft.
4. Oven temperature: Every oven is different, so be sure to check the rolls a few minutes before the suggested baking time to ensure they don’t over-brown.
5. Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to reheat.

Variations You Can Try:

1. Garlic Butter Rolls: After brushing the baked rolls with butter, sprinkle minced garlic and parsley over the top for a savory twist.
2. Cheese Stuffed Rolls: Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese inside each roll before shaping and baking for a gooey surprise inside.
3. Sweet Rolls: Add a tablespoon of honey or cinnamon sugar to the dough for a hint of sweetness. These would be perfect for breakfast!
4. Herbed Rolls: Add dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for an aromatic flavor.

Conclusion:

Making rolls from scratch is a rewarding and surprisingly simple process. With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy soft, fluffy rolls that will impress your family and friends. Whether you serve them as a side dish for dinner, use them to make sandwiches, or eat them fresh out of the oven with butter, these rolls will soon become a household favorite. So next time you’re craving something comforting and homemade, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!