Nov 143 min read

Butter Rolls.

Perfecting the Art of Making Buttery Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide for Home Cooks

If you want to add a scrumptious touch to your meals, buttery rolls are an excellent choice. These soft, fluffy rolls can brighten up any occasion, whether it's a cozy family dinner, a festive celebration, or a simple meal paired with soup. The warm, buttery flavor and tender texture make them a beloved option for everyone—from seasoned cooks to kitchen novices.

In this guide, we will walk you through each step to ensure you create light, golden buttery rolls from scratch. With just a handful of common ingredients and a bit of patience, you'll master the art of baking these rolls to perfection.

The Ingredients You Need

Preparation is key to great rolls. Here’s everything you’ll need:

280 ml water
2 tsp instant yeast
3 tbsp sugar
375 g flour
1/4 cup milk powder
32 g potato flakes
57 g butter
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 egg

Having your ingredients ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Mixing the Dough

Start by measuring 280 ml of warm water into a mixing bowl. Stir in 2 teaspoons of instant yeast and 3 tablespoons of sugar. The sugar is essential as it feeds the yeast, creating a bubbly, foamy surface in about 5 minutes. This sign confirms that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Next, add your dry ingredients to the yeast mixture: pour in 375 grams of flour, 1/4 cup of milk powder, and 32 grams of potato flakes. These dry components help create a smooth dough.

Cut 57 grams of butter into small cubes and mix them in, along with 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt. Finally, crack one egg into the bowl. Using a mixer with a dough hook, combine everything until it forms a cohesive dough. If the dough feels sticky or wet, sprinkle in a bit of extra flour until you achieve the right consistency—soft but not too sticky.

Kneading and Rising

Now it's time to knead the dough! Knead for approximately 7 minutes. This step is crucial as it develops gluten, which contributes to the rolls' chewy texture. You'll know it's done when the dough is smooth and elastic.

After kneading, place the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. During this time, you may clean your kitchen or even plan your next meal around those delicious rolls.

Shaping the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the extra air. Divide it into equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. For average-sized rolls, aim for 50-60 grams per piece.

Arrange these balls on a greased baking tray, providing enough space for each to rise. Cover the tray with a towel and let them rise again for about 60 minutes. You’ll notice how they puff up, becoming soft and plump—ready to bake.

Soft, golden butter rolls fresh from the oven — Freshly baked butter rolls glistening with melted butter.

Baking the Butter Rolls

After the second rise, it's baking time! Preheat your oven to 160°C fan / 180°C / 325°F / Gas Mark 4. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, carefully watching as they turn a beautiful golden brown.

As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter. This final touch enhances their rich flavor and gives the rolls a glorious sheen.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Rolls

Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose fresh yeast for the best rise. Old yeast can leave your rolls flat.
Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is warm but not too hot; hot water can kill yeast.
Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow your dough sufficient time to rise for fluffier rolls.
Experiment with Flavors: Add herbs, garlic, or cheese to switch things up. About 30% of bakers love adding garlic for a savory kick.
Store Properly: Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat later for that fresh-baked flavor.

Elevate Your Meal with Buttery Rolls

Making buttery rolls can transform any meal into a memorable experience. With straightforward ingredients and a step-by-step approach, you'll impress family and friends with warm, homemade rolls straight from your oven.

Now that you have this handy guide, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get started. Enjoy the enchanting smell of butter rolls filling your home, and take pride in creating something truly delicious. Happy baking!