First off—thank you. Thank you for being here, for bringing your curiosity and your appetite, and for letting me share this little kitchen joy with you! This recipe is one I keep going back to, and once you try it, I think you’ll understand why.
These easy soft and fluffy bread rolls are everything you want in a homemade roll: pillowy, golden, buttery, and versatile enough to cradle a juicy burger or mop up the last spoonful of your favorite soup. And yes—they’re actually easy. No bread machine, no overnight prep, no stress. Just warm, comforting rolls that rise beautifully and fill your kitchen with the kind of smell that draws everyone in like magic.
Let’s dive in—your future favorite rolls are just a few simple steps away!
Ingredients
For the dough:
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1 cup warm milk
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10 g (2 tsp) instant yeast
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1 tsp sugar
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3–4 cups white flour (cake, all-purpose, or bread flour all work!)
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1½ tsp salt
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1 large egg
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¼ cup butter, softened
For the egg wash:
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1 egg
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2 tbsp water
For finishing:
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2 tbsp melted butter
How to Make This Easy Soft and Fluffy Bread Rolls
Step 1: Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly—that’s your yeast saying, “Let’s do this!”
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In the bowl of your stand mixer (fitted with the dough hook), combine 3 cups of flour with the salt.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients
With the mixer running on low, pour in your foamy milk mixture. Add the egg and mix until incorporated.
Step 4: Knead in the butter
Add the softened butter and knead until it’s fully worked into the dough. The dough will be sticky—that’s okay! Add the remaining flour one tablespoon at a time until the dough is soft, smooth, and just slightly tacky.
Step 5: First rise
Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel to keep the dough cozy. Let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for about an hour, or until it’s puffed up and doubled in size. Go ahead—peek after 30 minutes. It’s pure joy.
Step 6: Shape the rolls
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Place them on two parchment-lined baking trays with enough space between each to rise.
Step 7: Second rise
Cover the rolls again and let them puff up for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Step 8: Bake and finish
Whisk together the egg and water, then brush it over each roll. Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and sound hollow when you gently tap the bottom. Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven for that irresistible soft sheen.
Let cool for about 10 minutes… if you can wait that long!
Helpful Tips
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Use warm milk—not hot! Too hot and it can kill the yeast.
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Want uniform rolls? Weigh your dough pieces before shaping!
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Add a pan of hot water in the oven while baking to create steam—extra fluffiness guaranteed!
Nutritional Information (Per Roll)
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Calories: 215 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 31 g
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Protein: 7 g
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Fat: 7 g
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Saturated Fat: 2 g
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Sodium: 447 mg
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Potassium: 179 mg
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Fiber: 4 g
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Sugar: 1 g
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Calcium: 26 mg
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Iron: 2 mg
Substitutions & Variations
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Dairy-free? Use almond or oat milk and swap butter for a plant-based version.
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Want to go whole wheat? Substitute up to half of the white flour for whole wheat.
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Herby twist: Add 1 tsp of dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for aromatic dinner rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Soft and Fluffy Bread Rolls
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the rolls and let them rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring them to room temp before baking.
Can I freeze these?
Absolutely. Freeze baked rolls in an airtight bag. Reheat in the oven at 160°C/320°F for 5–8 minutes.
Why is my dough too sticky?
That’s normal in the beginning! Add flour gradually until the dough becomes soft and slightly tacky but not gluey.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat as needed.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- No-Oven Stovetop Bread: Homemade Bread, Anytime, Anywhere
These rolls have become a staple in my home—warm, buttery, impossibly soft, and anything but boring!! I promise, once you make them, you’ll be dreaming up reasons to bake another batch.
So tell me—what are you serving them with first? Soup, burgers, breakfast sandwiches? I’d love to hear how they turn out for you!
Print
Easy Soft and Fluffy Bread Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours (Proofing Time: 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
Description
These Easy Soft and Fluffy Bread Rolls are golden, buttery pillows of joy! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create rolls that are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or served warm with soup. This beginner-friendly recipe rises beautifully and bakes up irresistibly light and tender—an instant classic!
Ingredients
For the dough:
1 cup warm milk
10 g (2 tsp) instant yeast
1 tsp sugar
3–4 cups white flour (cake, all-purpose, or bread flour)
1½ tsp salt
1 large egg
¼ cup butter, softened
For the egg wash:
1 egg
2 tbsp water
For finishing:
2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
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Whisk the warm milk, sugar, and yeast together. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
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In a stand mixer bowl with a dough hook, combine 3 cups flour and salt.
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Add the milk mixture and egg while mixing.
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Add softened butter, then knead. Add more flour one tablespoon at a time until dough is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.
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Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Transfer dough to a floured surface, divide into 8 pieces, and roll into balls.
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Place on lined baking sheets. Cover and rise for 30 minutes while oven preheats to 180°C / 350°F.
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Mix egg and water, brush rolls.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
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Brush with melted butter and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
The dough may be sticky at first—don’t panic! Add flour gradually until it feels soft but not dry.
Try brushing with garlic butter for a flavorful twist.
These rolls freeze beautifully—just reheat and enjoy like fresh!
Want perfectly even rolls? Weigh your dough before shaping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sodium: 447 mg
- Cholesterol: 45 mg