Soft Butter Rolls Recipe

All-purpose flour: The main structure of the rolls, providing the necessary gluten for a soft texture.

Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.

Melted butter: Infuses the rolls with a rich, buttery flavor and helps keep them moist.

Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the rolls.

Active dry yeast: The leavening agent that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the rolls and balances the sweetness.

To achieve the perfect texture for these soft butter rolls, ensure that your milk is warm but not hot when combining it with the yeast. The ideal temperature is around 110°F (43°C), which helps activate the yeast without killing it. When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop the gluten, resulting in a smooth and elastic dough. If the dough is sticky, lightly dust your hands and the work surface with flour, but be cautious not to add too much, as it can make the rolls dense. When shaping the rolls, tuck the edges underneath to create a smooth top, which will help them rise evenly and look more appealing once baked.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can result in a chewier texture, but it will still work well for soft butter rolls.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the rolls slightly denser.

• warm milk - Substitute with warm almond milk: Almond milk is a good non-dairy alternative that will maintain the moisture and tenderness of the rolls.

• warm milk - Substitute with warm water: Water can be used in place of milk, though the rolls may be less rich and slightly less tender.

• melted butter - Substitute with melted coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a subtle coconut flavor.

• melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for a different flavor profile and similar moisture content.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a unique flavor and sweetness, but may change the texture slightly.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used directly without proofing, and it may speed up the rising process.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with fresh yeast: Fresh yeast can be used by adjusting the quantity (use about twice the amount of fresh yeast as active dry yeast).

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used for a slightly different mineral content and flavor, but it will still enhance the taste of the rolls.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly for the same level of saltiness.

• Allow the freshly baked soft butter rolls to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could lead to soggy rolls.

• For short-term storage, place the rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their softness, you can add a slice of apple or a piece of bread inside the container to help retain moisture.

• If you wish to keep the rolls fresh for a longer period, freezing is the way to go. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they don’t stick together and makes it easy to thaw only what you need.

• Place the wrapped rolls in a large freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy the rolls, thaw them at room temperature for about an hour. For a freshly baked taste, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will revive their delightful softness and buttery aroma.

• If you prefer a quicker method, you can microwave the rolls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel and heat for 15-20 seconds. This method is perfect for when you're in a rush but still crave that warm, soft texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the soft butter rolls in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through and have regained their delightful softness.

• For a quick fix, use the microwave. Place the rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check their warmth and repeat if necessary, but be cautious not to overheat, as they can become chewy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Arrange the rolls in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-4 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly. This method gives them a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft.

• For a stovetop approach, use a skillet over low heat. Place the rolls in the skillet and cover with a lid. Allow them to warm for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method can give the rolls a gentle, toasted bottom.

• If you’re feeling adventurous, steam them. Place the rolls in a steamer basket over simmering water for about 5 minutes. This method will keep them moist and soft, almost as if they were freshly baked.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine ingredients like warm milk, sugar, and yeast, and later to mix in the flour and melted butter.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, milk, butter, and sugar to ensure the correct proportions in the recipe.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like the yeast and salt.

• Whisk: Useful for mixing the warm milk, sugar, and yeast together to create a frothy mixture.

• Wooden spoon: Handy for mixing the dough initially before kneading.

• Kneading surface: A clean, flat surface where you can knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Dough scraper: Helps in handling and dividing the dough into equal pieces.

• Greased bowl: A bowl lightly coated with oil or butter to allow the dough to rise without sticking.

• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises, keeping it warm and preventing it from drying out.

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet where the shaped rolls are placed for the final rise and baking.

• Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the rolls to a golden brown finish.

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked rolls to cool evenly after being removed from the oven.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out flour, sugar, and salt before starting to streamline the process.

Use a stand mixer: Save time and effort by using a stand mixer to knead the dough instead of doing it by hand.

Warm environment: Speed up the rising process by placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a warm spot in your kitchen.

Batch baking: Double the recipe and freeze extra rolls for future use, saving time on future baking days.