Buttery Sweet Rolls Recipe

These Buttery Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and rich with a perfect balance of sweetness and butteriness. Freshly baked, these rolls are the ideal addition to any meal, whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a holiday feast, or a special occasion. The best part? They’re easier to make than you might think, and they’ll fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!

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Buttery Sweet Rolls Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 1.5 hours (for dough rising)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (with resting time)
Servings: 12 rolls
Equipment: Stand mixer (optional), large bowl, 9×13-inch baking dish, pastry brush, kitchen towel

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Buttery Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a different flavor)

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Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. Warm the Milk:
   Heat the milk in the microwave or on the stove until it’s warm to the touch (around 110°F). It should feel slightly warmer than your body temperature but not hot (too hot can kill the yeast).
2. Dissolve the Sugar and Yeast:
   In a small bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk with the sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures your yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Add Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla:
   Add the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix them together until smooth.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. You may need to switch to a dough hook if using a stand mixer.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Once the dough begins to come together, knead it either by hand or in the stand mixer with the dough hook for about 5-8 minutes. The dough should be smooth, soft, and slightly sticky but not overly wet. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If you’re kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1. First Rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. You can speed up the rise by placing the bowl in an oven with the light on or in a warm, draft-free area.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Roll the Dough:
   Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle that’s about 12×18 inches in size.
3. Cut the Dough into Rolls:
   Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 equal strips. Roll each strip tightly, starting from one end to form a spiral shape, and place each roll in the prepared baking dish.
4. Second Rise:
   Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes in a warm place. They should puff up and fill the pan.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven:
   While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the Rolls:
   Once the rolls have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top. You can check for doneness by tapping the top of the rolls—if they sound hollow, they’re ready!

Step 6: Brush with Butter and Honey

1. Make the Buttery Topping:
   While the rolls are baking, melt the butter and stir in the honey. Set aside.
2. Brush the Rolls:
   As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the melted butter and honey mixture. This will give them a shiny, buttery finish and a touch of sweetness.

Step 7: Serve

1. Cool Slightly and Serve:
   Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, with a light drizzle of extra honey or a spread of butter, if desired.

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Notes

1. Make-Ahead Tips:
   • Overnight Option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. After shaping the rolls, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
   • Freezing: If you have leftovers (or want to prepare extra), you can freeze the rolls before baking. After shaping the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen solid, transfer the rolls to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, let them thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then bake as usual.
2. Flavor Variations:
   • Cinnamon Rolls: For a cinnamon-sugar version, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on the dough before rolling it up, similar to a traditional cinnamon roll recipe.
   • Herb Infused: Add some finely chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the dough or sprinkle them on top for a savory twist.
   • Cheese: Add shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) between the layers for cheesy rolls, or top with cheese before baking.
3. Serving Suggestions:
   • These rolls are perfect as a side to any meal, especially alongside roasts, soups, or salads.
   • They make for a delightful breakfast, warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
   • Serve them with a bit of homemade jam or a dollop of whipped cream cheese for an extra treat.

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Troubleshooting

• Rolls too dense: If your rolls turn out dense, it could be due to over-kneading or under-proofing the dough. Make sure to knead just enough to bring everything together, and give the dough sufficient time to rise.
• Rolls didn’t rise much: If the dough didn’t rise well, it may be because the yeast was old or the dough was in a cold area. Ensure that your yeast is fresh, and place the dough in a warm, draft-free location to rise.
• Too much sweetness or butter: You can always adjust the sweetness or butter levels in the topping to suit your taste, either by reducing the amount of honey or butter.

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These Buttery Sweet Rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone at your table! With their soft, fluffy texture and a perfect blend of buttery sweetness, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!