Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls
Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious homemade rolls perfect for any meal. With simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, these rolls bring warmth and homemade charm to your table, ideal whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or enjoying a family dinner.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten, Not Gluten Free
Yeast Activation
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (for activating yeast)
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Activating the Yeast: Begin by warming the milk to about 110°F (warm but not hot), then stir in the active dry yeast along with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.
- Combining Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Then, add the melted butter, beaten eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Kneading the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step develops gluten, which gives the rolls their soft, chewy texture.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until it doubles in size.
- Shaping the Rolls: Gently punch down the dough to release air and divide it into equal portions, roughly the size of a tennis ball. Shape each piece into a round ball and place them close together on a greased baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls loosely and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until doubled and fluffy.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Finishing Touch: Brush the hot rolls with melted butter for a beautiful glossy finish and extra richness. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Warm liquids: Ensure milk and water are warm but not hot to keep yeast happy and active.
- Consistent kneading: Knead thoroughly for the best texture and crumb structure.
- Proper rising environment: Place your dough in a warm, draft-free spot to rise optimally.
- Don’t overbake: Pull rolls out as soon as they’re golden to keep them tender.
- Brush with butter immediately: This keeps the crust soft and adds wonderful flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: yeast rolls, homemade rolls, soft bread, dinner rolls, easy yeast rolls, baking rolls