Butter Rolls: Soft, Buttery Goodness Everyone Loves

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Buttery, airy, slightly sweet, and perfectly golden—there’s so much to love about butter rolls.

These pillowy breads are always a hit, whether you serve them with breakfast, as a snack, or alongside a hearty dinner.

Simple pantry ingredients come together to create an irresistible treat with a rich, buttery flavor and soft, delicate crumb.

Even beginner bakers can enjoy making butter rolls at home without any fuss.

What Makes Butter Rolls Special?

Butter rolls stand out because of their tender texture and rich, buttery taste. The secret is out: butter rolls rely on two types of butter.

Melted butter in the dough gives each roll a delicate crumb and soft bite, while solid butter spiraled inside brings extra richness and flavor.

These rolls taste best fresh out of the oven, with steam rising as you tear one apart. Every bite is soft and fluffy—like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Butter rolls hold their own beside fancy pastries, yet they’re simple enough for anyone to make. Home bakers and families love them for weekday breakfasts, weekend brunches, and special holidays.

Kids and adults agree: nothing beats a warm butter roll. With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll get bakery-style results that beg to be shared.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Butter Rolls

You don’t need magic to make these fluffy butter rolls. Here’s a simple guide to baking fresh, golden rolls in your own kitchen. The recipe should yield about 12 delicious, fluffy rolls that are perfect for dinner or special occasions.

Ingredients for Butter Rolls

Let’s start with what you’ll need. If you’re out of unsalted butter, salted butter will work—just skip the added salt.

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard packet)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt (skip if using salted butter)

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon milk

Substitutions and Tips:

• If you only have active dry yeast, bloom it in the warm milk and sugar for 10 minutes until foamy.

• For dairy-free butter rolls, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk.

Directions: Making the Dough and Preparing the Filling

1. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy on top.

2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and the egg until combined.

3. Finish the Dough: Add flour and salt (if using). Mix until the dough comes together and forms a shaggy ball.

4. Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8 minutes, dusting with extra flour if needed, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise somewhere warm for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The dough should double in size.

6. Prep the Filling: While the dough rises, cut cold butter into small cubes and keep it in the fridge until you need it.

Shaping, Baking, and Serving Butter Rolls

1. Roll & Fill: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Add Butter: Scatter the cold butter cubes evenly over the surface. Gently press them into the dough.

3. Roll Up: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal.

4. Slice: Cut the log into 12 even pieces and place them, cut side up, in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Second Rise: Cover rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy.

6. Egg Wash: Mix egg yolk and milk, then brush over the tops for that shiny golden crust.

7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

8. Finishing Touch: Brush warm rolls generously with melted butter.

9. Serve: Enjoy your butter rolls warm, when they’re at their fluffiest and dreamiest.

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Tips and Variations for the Best Butter Rolls

Getting flawless butter rolls every time is easy if you keep a few things in mind.

Key Tips:

• Always allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot.

• Use room temperature eggs for even mixing.

• Don’t be shy with the butter on top—more flavor and shine.

• Slice rolls evenly so they bake at the same rate.

Tasty Variations:

• For a sweet twist, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the butter before rolling up the dough.

• Make them savory with a handful of chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) added with the butter.

• Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese for cheese butter rolls.

Serving Suggestions:

• Try butter rolls with strawberry jam or honey for breakfast.

• Serve as a side for soups or roasted meats.

• Top with whipped honey butter for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Homemade butter rolls offer unbeatable comfort and taste. They fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting smell and bring everyone to the table.

Simple ingredients and easy steps make these rolls a favorite for busy mornings, relaxed weekends, and holiday meals.

Pull a pan of fluffy, golden butter rolls from your oven and you’ll know why homemade bread is something special. Try this recipe soon, then share your results or favorite add-ins in the comments.

There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, tender butter roll—and your family will agree!