There’s something undeniably comforting about freshly baked bread rolls—warm, soft, and with a hint of sweetness, they’re a staple for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty soup, using them for sliders, or enjoying them with a pat of butter, these Fluffy Bread Rolls are sure to be a hit.
With their tender crumb and golden exterior, these rolls strike the perfect balance between texture and flavor. The buttery glaze on top adds a beautiful shine and a rich taste, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Why You’ll Love These Bread Rolls
Fluffy bread rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! They’re made with simple ingredients, are beginner-friendly, and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to bread-making, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees soft, pillowy rolls every time.
You’ll enjoy how versatile these rolls are—pair them with breakfast, dinner, or even as a snack. And don’t worry about leftovers (if there are any) they store beautifully for later enjoyment.
Ingredients for Fluffy Bread Rolls
Creating these soft and pillowy bread rolls requires just a few pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture:
- All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the rolls, providing structure and softness. You can also use bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Sugar – A touch of sugar adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a perfect rise.
- Yeast – Instant yeast or active dry yeast will give these rolls their light, airy texture.
- Milk – Warm milk keeps the dough moist and adds a slight richness to the flavor.
- Butter – Adds a soft, buttery taste to the dough and creates the glossy, golden top.
- Egg – Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the rolls.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
How to Make Fluffy Bread Rolls
These fluffy bread rolls are easy to make with just a few simple steps. The process involves mixing, kneading, shaping, and baking, but the result is worth every moment of effort!
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C)—it should feel slightly warm to the touch but not hot. Combine it with the sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to work.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Mix everything until it comes together into a shaggy dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray, leaving some space between them for expansion.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes, until puffed and almost doubled in size.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls with melted butter or an egg wash for a shiny golden finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the rolls from the oven and brush with more melted butter while they’re still warm for an extra soft and buttery finish. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy these warm, fluffy bread rolls fresh out of the oven, or save them for later—they’re just as delicious the next day!
How Long to Bake Fluffy Bread Rolls
Getting perfectly golden, soft, and fluffy bread rolls is all about timing and temperature. Here’s a guide to ensure your rolls bake to perfection:
- Baking Temperature – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for an even, golden finish.
- Baking Time – Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re puffed up, golden brown on top, and sound hollow when tapped.
Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning. If they start to darken too quickly, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover bread rolls (unlikely!), here’s how to store them so they remain soft and fresh:
- At Room Temperature – Place the rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration – Store the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly in the oven or microwave before serving to restore their softness.
- Freezing – Bread rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Tips for Perfect Fluffy Bread Rolls
Want to ensure your rolls turn out amazing every time? Here are a few tips and tricks:
- Use Warm Ingredients – Ensure your milk and butter are warm (but not hot) to help the yeast activate and the dough rise properly.
- Knead Well – Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their soft, fluffy texture. The dough should feel smooth and elastic.
- Don’t Rush the Rise – Allow enough time for the dough to rise properly. A warm, draft-free spot is best.
- Customize Toppings – Add sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated cheese on top before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve Warm – These rolls are at their absolute best when served warm and fresh out of the oven!
With these tips and a little practice, you’ll have a batch of golden, soft, and irresistible bread rolls every time!
PrintFluffy Bread Rolls: Soft, Buttery, and Perfectly Golden
- Total Time: 54 minute
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
These Fluffy Bread Rolls are soft, buttery, and irresistibly golden—perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether served warm with butter, as a dinner side, or used for sandwiches, their pillowy texture and rich flavor make them a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast or active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 3 tbsp softened butter (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk and mix it with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a towel. Let them rise for 30-40 minutes until puffed and almost doubled in size.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls with melted butter or an egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Brush warm rolls with more melted butter for extra softness. Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
- For a savory twist, sprinkle the rolls with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated cheese before baking.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes