Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and big fat yeast rolls perfect for any meal or gathering. These easy-to-make rolls use simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver tender, golden bread rolls that can be customized with herbs, cheese, or sweet toppings.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten
Main Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm milk (105°F – 115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Activate Your Yeast: Begin by warming the milk until it’s comfortably warm but not hot, then stir in sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and foamy—this shows your yeast is alive and ready to work.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, beaten egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir everything together until it starts to form a dough.
- Knead with Love: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You’ll notice the dough becomes soft and a bit tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Divide it into equal portions (about 8 to 10 pieces). Shape each piece into a big, fat ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls loosely and let them rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally brush the tops with melted butter or an egg wash for extra shine. Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and smelling irresistible.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving warm to enjoy their soft, fluffy goodness.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
- Keep milk temperature between 105°F and 115°F to activate yeast without killing it.
- Knead dough properly to develop gluten for chewy tenderness.
- Let rolls rise twice to ensure fluffy texture and volume.
- Do not overbake; take rolls out when golden to keep them soft and moist.
- Brush with butter after baking to keep crust tender and flavorful.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: yeast rolls, soft bread, homemade rolls, fluffy bread, dinner rolls, easy yeast rolls