Easy soft and fluffy bread rolls

ByAlida Ryder PublishedNovember 1, 2022May 1, 2024 UpdatedMay 1, 2024

This easy recipe makes the softest, fluffiest bread rolls and requires only a handful of ingredients. Perfect for hamburgers, sandwiches or served with soup. This dough recipe also makes the best homemade dinner rolls.

Ingredients needed

These bread rolls couldn’t be simpler. The soft texture of these rolls can be attributed to the milk, butter and egg in the dough. An enriched dough always delivers the softest, fluffiest bread and these rolls are no different.

Flour. I used all purpose flour but cake flour can also be used. Bread flour can be used but the end result might not be as light and fluffy. Whole wheat flour can be used as well.
Instant yeast.
Milk. This is an enriched dough so it uses milk, butter and egg but feel free to use warm water if preferred.
Butter. Vegetable oil, olive oil or canola oil can also be used. I used salted butter but unsalted butter can also be used.
Egg.
Sugar.
Salt.

How to make bread rolls

Make the dough: Combine instant yeast with warm milk (you can use water too) and sugar and whisk together. Allow this mixture to stand for 5 minutes until frothy. Combine 3 cups of the flour (for these rolls, as they are so soft and fluffy, really any flour will work. All purpose, cake, bread or wholewheat) with a teaspoon of salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. You could also make this dough by hand in a large bowl. With the mixer running, pour the yeast mixture in and allow to incorporate. Add a beaten egg and beat in the softened butter. At this stage, the dough might look very wet and sticky. Add the remaining cup of flour, 1 tablespoon at a time to the dough, allowing it to mix in well after each addition. You might not need all the flour. The dough needs to be soft and smooth and just a little bit sticky.
Allow the dough to proof (rise): Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp dish towel. Let the dough rise for an hour or until doubled in volume. At this stage you can also place the dough in the refrigerator overnight to proof, but make sure to cover well with plastic wrap. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 8 even pieces. Roll each piece into a ball then place onto a baking sheet or pan lined with parchment paper. You might need to prepare two sheets, depending on their size. The buns shouldn’t be too close to each other as they will rise while baking. Cover the bread rolls again and allow to rise for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven.
Bake the bread rolls: Brush the proofed dough balls with egg wash then place in the oven and allow to bake for 15-20 minute or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Make ahead and freezing instructions

Make ahead: The dough can be prepared up to two days in advance and kept covered in the fridge. Remove from the fridge an hour before baking to allow the dough to come up to room temperature. Baked rolls will last up to a day in an airtight container.
Freezing: Baked rolls can be frozen wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove from the bag and loosen the foil slightly and allow to thaw overnight. They can be served once thawed or reheated in the oven. Dough balls can also be frozen and baked from frozen until golden brown and risen.

What to serve with bread rolls

Easy bread recipes