This delightful recipe is for a soft, buttery bread roll, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s for breakfast, a savory meal, or a sweet treat. The dough is made with a combination of ingredients that ensure a smooth, fluffy texture, while the rich butter and egg wash provide a golden, soft, and tender crust. These rolls are highly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes or enjoyed simply with a bit of jam or butter. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe promises a delicious outcome that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for family gatherings or as an everyday snack, these rolls are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Resting time: 1-2 hours
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Ingredients
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 4 tbsp (50g) sugar
- 1 tbsp (9g) instant yeast
- 3 tbsp (40g) melted butter
- 1 egg
- 4 tbsp (60g) vegetable oil
- 550-580g flour (you may need more or less depending on dough consistency)
- 1 tsp (4g) salt
- 120g butter (for brushing on rolls)
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Directions
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Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir to mix and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step helps activate the yeast, ensuring your dough will rise properly.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, vegetable oil, and the yeast mixture. Whisk these together until well combined. This will be the base of your dough and give it its rich, soft texture.
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Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring as you go. Once all the flour has been added, start kneading the dough. You can either use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead it by hand on a clean surface. Continue kneading for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You might need to add more flour, depending on the consistency of the dough, but be careful not to add too much, as you want the dough to remain soft and pliable.
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Let the dough rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving the light, fluffy texture of the rolls.
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Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (or more, depending on how large you want the rolls to be). Shape each portion into a ball by tucking the edges underneath and pinching the seams together. Place the shaped rolls onto a greased baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
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Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg wash over the tops of the dough balls. This will give them a beautiful golden brown finish as they bake.
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Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.
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Brush with butter: Once the rolls are out of the oven, melt the 120g butter and brush it over the warm rolls for a rich, buttery finish. This step will add extra flavor and moisture, ensuring your rolls are irresistibly tender.
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Serve and enjoy: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, fresh out of the oven, or store them in an airtight container for later use.
Nutritional Facts (Per serving – 1 roll)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Iron: 1mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This bread roll recipe is part of the wider tradition of baking yeasted doughs that have been enjoyed for centuries across various cultures. Bread has long been a staple food, with different regions adding their own twist to the basic recipe depending on local ingredients and baking techniques. This type of soft, buttery roll is often associated with American and European home-baking traditions, particularly in the United States, where such rolls are often served during family meals, holidays, and celebrations.
The popularity of soft, rich rolls can be traced back to early yeasted breads, which were made by fermenting dough with naturally occurring yeast in the environment. Over time, the process evolved, and with the advent of instant yeast and the availability of modern ingredients, these rolls became a more accessible treat for home bakers. These rolls are often enjoyed as part of Thanksgiving meals or other festive gatherings, where their light and fluffy texture makes them a perfect pairing with savory dishes like roast meats or stews.
Today, buttery rolls like these are loved worldwide for their simplicity, versatility, and the comforting flavors they bring to the table. They continue to be a favorite choice for both special occasions and everyday meals, and many people cherish the tradition of baking fresh rolls in their kitchens, filling the home with a welcoming aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this recipe because it delivers a perfect balance of light and airy texture combined with a rich, buttery flavor that’s hard to resist. The dough is incredibly easy to work with, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can make delicious, soft rolls that will quickly become a household favorite. Whether you’re serving them with a family dinner, enjoying them as a snack, or using them to make a sandwich, these rolls are incredibly versatile and always delicious.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
While these rolls are a rich and indulgent treat, they do offer some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. The use of butter adds a source of healthy fats that are essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting overall heart health. Additionally, the inclusion of eggs in the dough provides a quality protein source, which helps support muscle health and repair. If you are looking to increase your intake of whole grains or lower your gluten consumption, you can experiment with using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as substitutes. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the texture and flavor of the final product.
Serving Suggestions of This Recipe
These soft, buttery rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
- For Breakfast: Serve the rolls warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- As a Side Dish: These rolls are perfect for pairing with soups, stews, and roasts. They complement both savory and sweet dishes, adding a satisfying touch to your meal.
- For Sandwiches: Use the rolls as the base for sandwiches. They’re soft enough to hold fillings like turkey, ham, or even grilled vegetables.
- For Special Occasions: These rolls make an excellent addition to any holiday or special meal. They’re especially popular at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Tips
- Make sure to use lukewarm milk (around 110°F) when activating the yeast to ensure that the yeast blooms properly.
- If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency, but avoid adding too much to keep the rolls soft.
- Allow the rolls to rise in a warm area. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in an oven with just the light on to create a warm environment for the dough to rise.
- For extra flavor, feel free to mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced taste.
Variations to Try
- Cheese Rolls: Add shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) to the dough for a cheesy twist on these rolls.
- Herb Butter Rolls: Mix fresh or dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, into the dough or brush the rolls with garlic and herb butter for a savory treat.
- Sweet Rolls: For a sweeter version, add cinnamon and sugar to the dough, and then drizzle with a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk after baking.
- Gluten-Free Rolls: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Keep in mind that you might need to adjust the amount of flour and yeast.
Conclusion
These buttery rolls are the perfect addition to any meal or occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or using them to make sandwiches, their soft texture and rich flavor will make them a favorite in your household. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, they’re easy to make and are sure to impress. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the deliciously warm, soft rolls fresh from your oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking the rolls.
2. Can I freeze the rolls? Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping them. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them rise before baking as usual.
3. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour? Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour will give the rolls a slightly chewier texture