Homemade Butter Rolls Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
The art of baking homemade butter rolls is a delightful experience that yields a delicious and flaky pastry perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish for your favorite meals. With a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can create these tender and flavorful rolls in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we'll walk you through a straightforward recipe and provide tips to help you achieve perfectly baked butter rolls.
Ingredients
Here's a list of ingredients you'll need to make this recipe:
- 2 cups of warm milk (around 105°F to 115°F)
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
To begin, combine the warm milk and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This step is crucial in activating the yeast and ensuring your dough rises properly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This step is essential in getting rid of any lumps in the flour and creating a uniform texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix the dough using a stand mixer or a wooden spoon until it comes together in a sticky ball. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment to avoid overmixing the dough.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment for this step. Be gentle when kneading the dough to avoid overworking it, which can lead to a dense final product.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 to 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disk shape. Place the disks onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of the rolls with an egg yolk beaten with a tablespoon of water. Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they're golden brown.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the tender, flaky goodness of your homemade butter rolls!