Soft Buttered Rolls (Fluffy, Tender & Perfect with Butter)
A warm buttered roll is pure comfort. Soft on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and finished with melted butter that soaks into every layer—this is the kind of bread that disappears straight from the basket.
These rolls are perfect for dinner, holidays, soups, or breakfast with jam and honey. They’re simple, reliable, and endlessly craveable.
Ingredients
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¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
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2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 large egg
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¼ cup melted butter (plus more for brushing)
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½ teaspoon salt
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3–3½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not dry.
Step 2: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball and place in a greased baking dish or sheet pan, slightly touching for soft sides.
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden on top.
Step 5: Butter Generously
Remove rolls from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Buttered Rolls
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Use warm, not hot milk to activate yeast
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Don’t add too much flour—soft dough = soft rolls
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Brush with butter twice for extra richness
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Let rolls touch while baking for ultra-soft sides
Variations
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Garlic butter rolls: Add garlic powder to the butter
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Honey butter rolls: Brush with honey-butter mix
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Pull-apart pan rolls: Bake close together in a round pan
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Dinner slider rolls: Shape smaller for sandwiches
Storage
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Room temperature: up to 2 days
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Refrigerator: up to 4 days
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Freezer: up to 2 months
Reheat gently and add fresh butter before serving.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the simplest things are the most satisfying. A warm buttered roll doesn’t need frosting, glaze, or filling—just good butter and a little love.
Make these once, and they’ll become your go-to roll for everything.