Quick and Easy Yeast Rolls

Soft, buttery, and golden brown, these Quick and Easy Yeast Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Unlike traditional yeast rolls that require hours of rising time, this recipe delivers fluffy, homemade rolls in about an hour. They’re light, tender, and irresistibly delicious straight from the oven with a brush of melted butter on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it combines homemade comfort with convenience. There’s no need to spend hours kneading and waiting, these rolls come together in about an hour. They’re soft, buttery, and deliciously versatile, pairing beautifully with any meal. Plus, the dough is easy to handle, making it perfect for beginner bakers who want a quick win in the kitchen.

Time Taken

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
1 egg

Grocery List

Here’s everything you’ll need to grab from the store (or your pantry) to make these warm, golden rolls:

Dairy:

1 cup milk (whole milk preferred, but 2% or plant-based works too)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for brushing)
1 large egg

Baking Essentials:

3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard packet)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ons:

Garlic powder or herbs for flavor
Honey (as a substitute for sugar)
Olive oil (for dairy-free option)

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir to combine.
Add Flour: Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead: Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes in a warm spot until doubled in size.
Shape Rolls: Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and place in a greased baking dish.
Second Rise (Optional): Let rest for 10–15 minutes for slightly puffier rolls.
Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Butter and Serve: Brush warm rolls with melted butter and serve immediately.

Storage Tips

These yeast rolls stay fresh for up to two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To enjoy them later, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven wrapped in foil. They also freeze beautifully, just store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months, then thaw and reheat before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute whole milk with 2% or almond milk for a lighter version.
Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
Swap butter for olive oil for a dairy-free option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls warm and brushed with butter for a classic presentation. They’re also excellent with honey, jam, or garlic butter. Pair them with soups, stews, or chili for a comforting meal, or use them as slider buns for pulled pork or roast beef. They even make a lovely addition to a holiday dinner spread or Sunday brunch.

You Must Know

The most important thing to remember is temperature control, your milk should be warm but not hot, ideally around 110°F. Hot liquid can kill the yeast and prevent your dough from rising. If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam after a few minutes, it’s best to start over with fresh yeast to ensure a successful rise.

Chef’s Special Tips

For extra softness, brush rolls with melted butter immediately after baking.
Add garlic butter or herbs on top before baking for savory rolls.
To keep rolls uniform, use a kitchen scale to portion the dough evenly.
If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a slightly warm (but turned off) oven.

Conclusion

These Quick and Easy Yeast Rolls are everything you want in homemade bread; soft, golden, and ready in a fraction of the time. Whether for a family dinner, holiday spread, or cozy Sunday meal, they’ll become a go-to favorite. Try baking a batch today and enjoy the magic of warm, buttery rolls fresh from the oven!