Buttery Yeast Rolls

Prep: 120 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 18 Cuisine: American

Buttery yeast rolls are soft, fluffy, and golden-brown treats with rich butter flavor, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any comforting meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1 pkg. active dry yeast
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Combine 1 teaspoon sugar, warm water, and yeast in a small bowl and stir to mix. Set aside until bubbly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine remaining sugar, milk, egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Add 1 cup of flour and the yeast mixture to the large bowl. Mix well.
  4. Gradually add remaining flour until a moderately firm dough forms.
  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until no longer sticky, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Place the dough in a large oiled bowl and turn to coat all surfaces. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  7. Punch down the risen dough. Pinch off portions about the size of a golf ball and shape into balls.
  8. Place the dough balls on a greased baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for about 8 minutes or until they start to brown.
  10. Brush the rolls generously with melted butter and loosely cover with aluminum foil. Continue baking for another 2-4 minutes until fully cooked.
  11. Remove from oven and brush again with melted butter. Serve warm.

Tips & Substitutions

For softer rolls, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you don't have active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast; just skip the proofing step. Make sure your milk is not too hot when adding it to avoid killing the yeast. For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic powder or herbs to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These buttery yeast rolls are perfect for serving alongside soups or salads, such as a hearty Hot Broccoli Cheese Dip. They also pair wonderfully with main courses like roasted chicken or beef. Enjoy them warm with a pat of butter or as a base for sliders.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Buttery Yeast Rolls contains roughly 95 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.

95 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 3.8g 5% DV
Carbs 13.3g 5% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 397.9mg 17% DV
Potassium 32.2mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 10.9mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 17.4mg 1% DV
Iron 0.8mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and letting it rise again. This can enhance the flavor and texture of the rolls.

Why did my rolls not rise properly?

Several factors can affect rising, including water temperature and yeast freshness. Ensure the water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast. Check the expiration date on your yeast package. Also, a cool kitchen can slow down rising; try placing the dough in a warmer spot.

Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding dried herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor. You can also mix in shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a cheesy twist. Just be mindful not to add too much moisture, which can affect the dough's consistency.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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