There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through your kitchen, and these Easy Homemade Rolls deliver just that. With a golden, buttery crust and a soft, pillowy interior, they’re the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. In just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll create a dough that rises into fluffy perfection over 4 hours, filling your home with anticipation.
These rolls are a versatile delight, whether served warm with a pat of butter or as the star of your dinner table. Their subtle sweetness and rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture make them irresistible. Plus, with only 101 calories per roll, you can savor every bite guilt-free. Perfect for busy days or cozy gatherings, they’re a simple yet satisfying treat everyone will love.
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Rolls
- 1 Tablespoon Active dry yeast (ensure it’s fresh for best results)
- ½ cup sugar (can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor)
- 3 eggs, beaten (room temperature eggs mix better)
- 1 cup water (lukewarm, around 110°F, to activate the yeast)
- ½ cup butter, melted (unsalted preferred, but salted works too)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste if using salted butter)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter texture)
- Additional melted butter (for brushing, about 2-3 tablespoons)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Homemade Rolls
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, beaten eggs, lukewarm water, melted butter, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Add flour: Gradually add the 4 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a spoon until a sticky dough forms.
- Let it rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight. (No kneading required!)
- Prepare the dough: After rising, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two equal halves.
- Shape the rolls: Roll each half into a circle about ⅛ inch thick. Brush the surface with additional melted butter, then cut each circle into 16 pieces (like a pizza).
- Roll them up: Starting from the wider end, roll each piece toward the point to form a crescent shape.
- Second rise: Place the rolls on a baking sheet, leaving space between them. Let them rise for 30-60 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Serve warm: Enjoy your homemade rolls fresh out of the oven with extra butter or your favorite spread!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
These Easy Homemade Rolls are incredibly versatile! For a savory twist, brush them with garlic butter or sprinkle with grated Parmesan before baking. If you’re craving something sweet, drizzle them with honey butter or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. They also pair wonderfully with soups, stews, or even as a base for mini sandwiches.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it—they can dry out quickly!
Time-Saving Tricks for Busy Bakers
Short on time? Let the dough rise in the fridge overnight—it’s a hands-off way to prep ahead. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to combine ingredients quickly. If you’re in a rush, skip the rolling and cutting step: simply shape the dough into small balls and bake as-is for rustic, no-fuss rolls.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes! Just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients. What if my dough doesn’t rise? Check your yeast’s expiration date and ensure your water isn’t too hot—it should be warm, not boiling. Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! Freeze it after the first rise, then thaw in the fridge overnight before shaping and baking.
Easy Homemade Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Active dry yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Mix yeast, sugar, eggs, water, butter and salt together in a large bowl, all at once.
- Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
- Mix well with a spoon, cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow dough to rise 4-6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Do not knead the dough.
- Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface and divide in half.
- Roll each half of dough into a circle about ⅛ inch thick.
- Brush with additional melted butter and cut into 16 pieces, like a pizza.
- Roll up each piece from the large end to the point.
- Place rolls on a baking sheet and let rise 30-60 minutes.
- Bake at 375℉ for 8-10 minutes.