🍞 Soft Buttermilk Dinner Rolls

by

🍞 Soft Buttermilk Dinner Rolls

Pillowy • Tender • Lightly Sweet

These soft buttermilk rolls are fluffy on the inside with a golden, buttery top. The buttermilk adds a gentle tang and keeps the rolls moist for hours. Perfect for dinner, holidays, or breakfast with butter and jam.

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Rising Time: 1½–2 hours

  • Bake Time: 18–22 minutes

  • Oven Temperature: 180°C (350°F)

  • Yield: 12–15 rolls

Ingredients

  • 3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup warm buttermilk (lukewarm, not hot)

  • ¼ cup sugar

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast

  • 1 teaspoon salt

For Finishing

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Wooden spoon or mixer

  • Clean kitchen towel

  • Baking pan (9×13 inch or similar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate and Mix

  • In a large bowl, combine:

    • Warm buttermilk

    • Sugar

    • Yeast

  • Stir gently and let rest 5 minutes until slightly foamy

  • Add melted butter and egg

  • Mix until well combined

2. Form the Dough

  • Add flour and salt gradually

  • Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms

  • Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface

3. Knead

  • Knead for 8–10 minutes until:

    • Smooth

    • Elastic

    • Soft but not sticky

  • Add small amounts of flour only if needed

4. First Rise

  • Place dough in a lightly greased bowl

  • Turn once to coat

  • Cover with a towel

  • Let rise in a warm place for 60–75 minutes, or until doubled

5. Shape the Rolls

  • Punch down the dough gently

  • Divide into equal portions (12–15 pieces)

  • Roll each piece into a smooth ball

6. Second Rise

  • Arrange rolls in a greased baking pan

  • Leave slight space between them

  • Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy

7. Bake

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)

  • Bake for 18–22 minutes, until tops are golden brown

  • Rolls should sound hollow when tapped lightly

8. Finish and Serve

  • Remove from oven

  • Brush immediately with melted butter

  • Let cool 10 minutes before serving

Texture & Flavor

  • Texture: Very soft, fluffy interior

  • Flavor: Mildly sweet with gentle tang from buttermilk

  • Crust: Lightly golden and buttery

Helpful Tips

  • Use warm, not hot, buttermilk

  • Do not over-flour the dough

  • Rolls rise best in a draft-free area

  • For extra softness, bake rolls close together

Storage

  • Store covered at room temperature for 2 days

  • Refrigerate up to 4 days

  • Reheat briefly before serving

Variations

  • Add garlic butter for savory rolls

  • Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds before baking

  • Shape into slider buns

  • Make cloverleaf rolls using a muffin tin

Leave a Comment