Grandma’s Classic Butter Roll Recipe: Soft, Fluffy Dinner Rolls Every Time

Homemade Fluffy Butter Rolls Recipe – Just Like Grandma’s

Looking for the perfect butter roll recipe that produces soft, fluffy dinner rolls every time? These homemade butter rolls are exactly what you need for your next family dinner! With a rich, buttery flavor and cloud-like texture, these rolls stay soft for days (though they rarely last that long in most homes).

Why You’ll Love These Classic Butter Rolls

There’s something magical about freshly baked bread that fills your home with warmth and comfort. These butter rolls aren’t just any dinner rolls – they’re:

• Incredibly soft with a melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Rich with butter flavor that enhances any meal
• Simple to make with basic pantry ingredients
• Perfect for holidays but easy enough for weeknight dinners
• Great for leftovers – they maintain softness for days

Perfect Timing for Butter Roll Preparation

These fluffy, delicious butter rolls require some patience, but the results are absolutely worth it. The dough needs time to rise properly, so plan accordingly!

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Servings: 18 dinner rolls

Ingredients for the Best Butter Rolls

• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons), plus extra for brushing
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
• ¼ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Equipment You’ll Need

• Glass measuring cup for scalding milk
• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (or mixing bowl if kneading by hand)
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Clean kitchen towel
• Pastry brush

How to Make Perfect Butter Rolls

1. Pour milk into a glass measuring cup and heat in the microwave until it starts to boil and climb the sides, about 1 minute. This is called scalding the milk.
2. Add butter, sugar, and salt to the hot milk; stir until butter melts. Set aside to cool until the mixture is below 110°F (45°C). Cooling is crucial so you don’t kill the yeast!
3. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until frothy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be dead, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
4. Add the cooled milk mixture to the yeast. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
7. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
8. Punch down dough gently to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 18 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
9. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let rise again until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) while rolls are on their second rise.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped.
12. Remove from oven and immediately brush tops with additional melted butter for extra flavor and a softer crust.
13. Allow to cool for 5 minutes in the pan before serving warm.

Tips for Perfect Butter Rolls Every Time

• Temperature matters! Make sure your milk mixture has cooled properly before adding to the yeast.
• Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the dough. If you forgot to take them out early, place them in warm (not hot) water for 5 minutes.
• Don’t rush the rise time. The secret to fluffy rolls is patience during the rising process.
• For even-sized rolls, use a kitchen scale to weigh the dough and divide by 18.
• Create a warm environment for rising by preheating your oven to its lowest setting, turning it off, and then placing the covered dough inside.
• Test for doneness by checking the internal temperature – perfectly baked rolls will register 190°F on an instant-read thermometer.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

These butter rolls maintain their softness remarkably well. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap cooled rolls individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 132 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 17mg
• Sodium: 156mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

Perfect Pairings for Your Butter Rolls

These versatile butter rolls complement almost any meal! Here are some perfect pairings:

• Serve with a hearty beef stew or chicken soup
• Use as sandwich rolls for leftover holiday turkey or ham
• Split and toast for breakfast with jam and butter
• Pair with pasta dishes to soak up delicious sauces
• Serve alongside holiday meals as the perfect vehicle for gravy

Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Rolls

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough through the first rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping into rolls for the second rise.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Use the same amount but you can skip the proofing step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

This usually happens when the dough is over-kneaded or didn’t rise long enough. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active, and give the dough enough time to double during both rises.

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Definitely! You’ll just need to knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Why This Butter Roll Recipe Stands the Test of Time

The magic of this butter roll recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality ingredients that create that unmistakable homemade taste. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or alongside a weeknight dinner, these soft, pillowy rolls will quickly become a family favorite, just as they have in countless homes across generations.

Recipe inspired by Grandma Rita’s Soft Butter Rolls