There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through your kitchen in just 30 minutes. These homemade rolls are soft, fluffy, and golden-brown, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness, they’re ideal for slathering with butter or pairing with your favorite meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or craving a warm treat, these rolls deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
With only 10 minutes of prep and a quick rise, these rolls are a lifesaver for busy days. Their rich, buttery flavor and light, airy texture make them irresistible. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to whip up, proving that homemade bread doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Serve them fresh from the oven, and watch them disappear in no time—your family will be begging for seconds!
Ingredients for 30-Minute Homemade Rolls
- 1 ⅛ cups warm water (should be warm to the touch, about 110°F)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (can substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor)
- 2 Tablespoons active dry yeast (yes, it really is 2 Tablespoons!)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste if desired)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (bring to room temperature for best results)
- 3 ½ cups flour (all-purpose, and adjust as needed; see instructions)
Step-by-Step Instructions for 30-Minute Homemade Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 400℉.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, vegetable oil, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. (No stand mixer? Use a large bowl and a wooden spoon!)
- Attach the dough hook and mix in the salt, egg, and 2 cups of flour until well combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. (You may need slightly more or less than 3 ½ cups of flour.)
- Spray your hands with cooking spray and shape the dough into 12 equal-sized balls.
- Place the shaped rolls on a lightly greased cookie sheet and let them rest for 10 minutes to rise slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden. Enjoy warm!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
These homemade rolls are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sauces and toppings. For a savory twist, brush the tops with melted garlic butter or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before baking. If you’re serving them as a sweet treat, drizzle with honey butter or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. They also make a great base for mini sliders or sandwiches!
Quick Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a crispy exterior, lightly toast them in a skillet with a bit of butter.
Time-Saving Tricks for Busy Bakers
If you’re short on time, skip the stand mixer and mix the dough by hand—it’s just as effective! To speed up the rising process, place the shaped dough balls in a warm spot, like near a preheating oven. You can also prep the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight, letting it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Recipe Variations to Try
Experiment with different flavors by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory kick. For a sweeter version, mix in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries. You can also swap out the vegetable oil for melted butter or olive oil to enhance the flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try shaping the dough into knots or braids for a fun presentation.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes! Instant yeast works just as well and doesn’t require proofing. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients. Why is my dough sticky? Dough consistency can vary based on humidity and flour type. Add flour gradually until the dough is manageable but still slightly tacky. Can I make these rolls gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but keep in mind the texture may differ slightly.
30 Minute Homemade Rolls
Equipment
- stand mixer
- dough hook
- cookie sheet
Ingredients
- 1 ⅛ cups warm water (see note below)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoons active dry yeast (yes, it really is 2 Tbls)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3 ½ cups flour (more or less; see instructions below)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, oil, yeast, and sugar; let rest for 5-10 minutes or until frothy and bubbly (you can also make this recipe without a stand mixer – just use a big bowl, a large wooden spoon, and all your arm strength).
- With a dough hook, mix in salt, egg and 2 cups of flour until combined. Then add remaining flour – ½ cup at a time (dough will be sticky). Sometimes I need the full 3 ½ cups, sometimes I need less, and sometimes I need even more.
- Spray your hands with cooking spray and shape the dough into 12 balls.
- After shaped, place on lightly greased cookie sheet and let rest and rise for 10 minutes.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until tops are lightly golden.