Imagine the delightful aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through your home, inviting everyone to gather around the table. With our Make Ahead Yeast Rolls recipe, you can create 24 fluffy, golden-brown rolls that are perfect for any occasion—be it a family dinner, holiday feast, or a cozy brunch with friends. The best part? You can prepare them in advance, allowing you to focus on other dishes while still impressing your guests with warm, homemade goodness. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, active dry yeast, and salt, whisking together until well blended.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk and softened butter together until lukewarm (around 110-115°F), ensuring the mixture is not too hot to prevent killing the yeast.
- Pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the eggs. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes, creating a smooth initial batter.
- Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain slightly tacky.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic, using additional flour sparingly to prevent sticking.
- Place the dough in a greased large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into 24 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth round roll.
- Arrange the rolls on greased baking sheets, leaving space between each for expansion. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for make-ahead preparation.
- When ready to bake, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to rise again.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the rolls generously with melted butter for a soft, rich finish.
- Allow rolls to cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.
Tips
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk and butter mixture is lukewarm (around 110-115°F) to properly activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing your rolls from rising.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use just enough flour to keep it from sticking. Over-flouring can lead to dense rolls, so let the dough be slightly tacky for the best texture.
- Rising Time: For optimal flavor and texture, allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) to encourage a good rise.
- Make Ahead Convenience: After shaping the rolls, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.
- Butter Brushing: Don’t skip the melted butter brush after baking! It adds a rich flavor and keeps the rolls soft. For an extra touch, try mixing in some garlic powder or herbs for a flavorful twist.
- Serving Suggestions: These rolls are versatile! Serve them warm with butter, use them for sliders, or pair them with soups and salads for a comforting meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
