Old Fashioned Soft and Buttery Yeast Rolls

### Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft and Buttery Yeast Rolls

#### Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by preparing your yeast. In a small bowl, combine **1 cup of warm milk** (it should feel like warm bath water, not too hot or cold) and **2 teaspoons of active dry yeast**. Add **1/4 cup of sugar** to the mixture, stirring until the yeast dissolves. Let it sit for about **5-10 minutes** to allow the yeast to activate. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.

#### Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine **3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour** and **1 teaspoon of salt**. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour mixture along with **1/4 cup of softened butter** and **1 large egg**. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or a dough hook until a sticky dough forms.

If the dough is too wet, gradually add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Be careful not to add too much flour, as you want the dough to remain soft and slightly sticky.

#### Step 3: Knead the Dough

Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough for about **8-10 minutes** until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, you can also knead the dough using that on medium speed for about **5 minutes**.

#### Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about **1-1.5 hours**, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for getting those light, fluffy rolls.

#### Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into **12 equal pieces**. Shape each piece into a ball by folding the edges underneath and pinching the seams together. Place the dough balls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them so they’re just touching each other.

#### Step 6: Let the Rolls Rise Again

Cover the rolls with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another **30-45 minutes**, or until they have puffed up and filled the baking dish.

#### Step 7: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Once the rolls have finished their second rise, place the pan in the oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown.

#### Step 8: Brush with Butter

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops with **2 tablespoons of melted butter** for that irresistible glossy finish and added richness. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.

### Tips for Perfect Soft and Buttery Yeast Rolls

– **Don’t Rush the Rising Time**: Allowing the dough to rise properly is key to getting soft, fluffy rolls. If you’re in a hurry, try placing the bowl in a warm, draft-free area or preheating your oven to 200°F, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.

– **Use Room Temperature Butter**: Softened butter is essential for achieving the buttery flavor in these rolls. Ensure it’s not melted, but soft enough to mix easily into the dough.

– **Adjust Flour as Needed**: Flour can vary in absorbency, so don’t be afraid to add a little extra if your dough feels too sticky. Just make sure not to add too much, or the rolls may become dense.

– **Store Properly**: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their softness.

### Creative Variations to Try

While the classic buttery rolls are fantastic on their own, there are many ways to get creative and customize your recipe:

– **Herb-Infused Rolls**: Add some finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or garlic to the dough for a fragrant, savory twist.
– **Cheddar Rolls**: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a cheesy, slightly spicy flavor.
– **Sweet Rolls**: For a sweeter version, add a bit more sugar to the dough and top the rolls with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
– **Cinnamon Rolls**: Roll the dough out into a rectangle, spread with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then roll it up and slice into individual rolls for a sweet treat.

### Conclusion

These **old-fashioned soft and buttery yeast rolls** are the perfect addition to any meal, whether you’re serving them with a holiday feast or enjoying them as a snack on their own. With their light texture, buttery flavor, and delightful softness, they’re sure to become a family favorite in no time. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the comforting warmth and delicious flavor of homemade rolls fresh from the oven. Happy baking!