There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked yeast rolls wafting through your home. These soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for any meal, whether it's a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner. With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create these delightful rolls that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to pick up a few items that aren't always in your pantry. Active dry yeast is essential for the dough to rise properly, and it can usually be found in the baking aisle. All-purpose flour is a staple, but make sure you have enough on hand. Warm milk is used to activate the yeast, so ensure you have fresh milk available. Lastly, butter and sugar are common, but check your supplies to avoid a last-minute trip to the store.

Ingredients for Yeast Rolls Recipe
Warm milk: Used to activate the yeast and create a tender dough.
Active dry yeast: Essential for the dough to rise and become fluffy.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the rolls.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the dough together.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the rolls.
All-purpose flour: The main structure of the dough, giving the rolls their body and texture.
Technique Tip for Perfect Rolls
When combining the warm milk, yeast, and sugar, ensure the milk is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature around 110°F (43°C). If you don't have a thermometer, the milk should feel like warm bath water. This step is crucial for activating the yeast and achieving a good rise in your dough.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
warm milk - Substitute with warm almond milk: Almond milk provides a similar texture and moisture content, making it a good non-dairy alternative.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used in the same quantity and doesn't require proofing, simplifying the process.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and can help with browning, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
butter, melted - Substitute with coconut oil, melted: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture level, making it a good dairy-free option.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water creates a gel-like consistency that mimics the binding properties of an egg.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor profile.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can result in a chewier texture, suitable for yeast rolls.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store or Freeze Your Rolls
Allow the yeast rolls to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the rolls soggy.
For short-term storage, place the yeast rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
To keep the yeast rolls fresh for a longer period, refrigerate them. Place the rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For freezing, wrap each yeast roll individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped rolls in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their freshness.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the yeast rolls at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but be cautious as this may make them slightly chewy.
If you want to add a touch of freshness to your reheated yeast rolls, brush them with a bit of melted butter before serving. This will give them a delightful, just-baked taste and aroma.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the yeast rolls in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm and soft.
For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the yeast rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check for warmth and repeat if necessary, but be careful not to overheat as this can make them tough.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the yeast rolls in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.
For a stovetop method, use a steamer. Place the yeast rolls in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes until they are heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the rolls soft.
If you prefer a bit of a crispy exterior, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the yeast rolls directly on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for 8-10 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy on the outside.
Essential Tools for Baking
Large bowl: Used to combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar, and later to mix the dough ingredients.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the milk, sugar, and flour.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the yeast and salt precisely.
Whisk: Helps to mix the yeast mixture and later the dough ingredients thoroughly.
Wooden spoon: Useful for gradually incorporating the flour into the wet ingredients.
Floured surface: Provides a workspace for kneading the dough without it sticking.
Greased bowl: Used to let the dough rise without sticking to the sides.
Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel: Covers the dough while it rises to keep it warm and moist.
Baking sheet: Holds the shaped rolls for their final rise and baking.
Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the rolls to golden perfection.
Pastry brush: Used to brush melted butter on the rolls after baking for added flavor and shine.
Time-Saving Tips for Baking
Use a stand mixer: Save time by using a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix and knead the dough.
Pre-measure ingredients: Pre-measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Warm environment: Let the dough rise in a warm oven (turned off) to speed up the rising time.
Batch baking: Double the recipe and freeze extra rolls for future use.
Quick melt butter: Melt butter in the microwave to save time.
Use parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Yeast Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Warm Milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
- ¼ cup Sugar
- ⅓ cup Butter, melted
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- 2. Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- 3. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- 4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- 6. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into rolls and place on a greased baking sheet.
- 7. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- 8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- 9. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe30 Minutes
- Almond Flour Pancakes Recipe25 Minutes
- Fluffy Japanese Pancakes Recipe35 Minutes
- Blueberry Pancakes Recipe30 Minutes
- Basic Corn Muffins Recipe30 Minutes
- Scotch Shortbread Recipe1 Hours
- Burger or Hot Dog Buns Recipe35 Minutes
- Beer Bread Recipe1 Hours
Leave a Reply