You know those moments when you’re knee-deep in cooking dinner, and suddenly it hits you—you forgot the bread? Yep, that was me one Sunday evening. I had a roast in the oven, mashed potatoes ready to go, and then, boom. No rolls. Store-bought ones weren’t an option because, well, I wanted something fresh, warm, and made with love.
I had two choices: serve dinner without bread (which felt like a crime) or figure out a way to make some quick yeast rolls that didn’t require hours of rising time. So, I did what any determined home cook would do—I got creative. After a few trial runs (and some very flour-covered kitchen counters), I landed on this quick yeast rolls recipe that’s soft, fluffy, and ready in just about 20 minutes. It’s now my go-to for last-minute homemade yeast rolls, and let me tell you, they taste just like the old-fashioned yeast rolls recipe my grandma used to make—without all the waiting.
Now, these easy yeast rolls are a staple in my kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, they always make an appearance. They’re buttery, slightly sweet, and have that perfect balance of softness and chewiness. And the best part? No one ever suspects they came together in a flash!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- They’re Incredibly Quick to Make Most yeast dinner rolls recipes require hours of proofing, but not this one! With a few simple tricks, these rolls are ready to bake in no time—making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Soft, Fluffy, and Buttery These aren’t just any rolls; they’re the best yeast rolls. They have that classic bakery-style texture—light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. Slather them with butter, and you’ll be in carb heaven.
- Perfect for Any Meal Whether you’re pairing them with a hearty stew, a holiday feast, or simply enjoying them with a drizzle of honey, these rolls fit any occasion. They even make excellent sandwich sliders!
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor You don’t need a mile-long grocery list for this recipe. Just a handful of pantry staples—flour, yeast, sugar, butter, and milk—come together to create homemade yeast rolls that taste anything but basic.
- A No-Fail Recipe If working with yeast has ever intimidated you, don’t worry! This quick yeast rolls recipe is practically foolproof. Follow my simple steps, and you’ll be pulling warm, fluffy yeast rolls out of the oven with ease.
- They Stay Fresh Longer Unlike some homemade bread that turns rock-hard within hours, these easy bread rolls stay soft and delicious even the next day. Just warm them up slightly, and they taste fresh from the oven!
- Easily Customizable Want a sweet yeast rolls recipe? Just add a touch more sugar. Prefer a garlicky, herbed version? Sprinkle in some minced garlic and rosemary. These rolls are a blank canvas for all your bread-loving dreams.
- They Make Your House Smell Amazing There’s nothing like the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. It’s cozy, inviting, and makes everyone think you’ve spent hours baking (when really, you’ve only spent 20 minutes!).
Ingredients for the Quick Homemade Yeast Rolls
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen towel
Cooking Instructions for the Quick Homemade Yeast Rolls
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
- Mix the Dough: Add the melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and mix on medium speed for about 3 minutes.
- Knead Lightly: If mixing by hand, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the Rolls: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are slightly touching.
- Let Them Rise Briefly: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest in a warm place for 10 minutes. Since this is a quick yeast rolls recipe, they don’t need a long rise time!
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
- Brush with Butter: Once out of the oven, immediately brush the warm rolls with melted butter for extra softness and flavor.
- Serve Warm & Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Warm (Not Hot) Milk Too hot, and it will kill the yeast. Too cold, and the yeast won’t activate. Aim for around 110°F.
- Don’t Skip the Butter Brushing That final swipe of melted butter adds so much flavor and keeps the rolls extra soft.
- Want a Sweeter Version? To make a sweet yeast rolls recipe, increase the sugar to 4 tablespoons and brush the tops with honey butter.
- Short on Time? Speed things up by using instant yeast instead of active dry yeast—no proofing needed, just mix it right into the dry ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Tip You can shape the rolls, cover them, and store them in the fridge overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Freezing Instructions These rolls freeze beautifully! Just bake, let them cool completely, and store in an airtight container. When ready to eat, warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Macronutrients Count Per Serving
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Pro Tips for the Recipe
- Let the Dough Rest Properly
Even though this is a quick recipe, allowing the dough to rest for at least 10 minutes helps improve texture and fluffiness. - Use High-Quality Yeast
Fresh, active dry yeast ensures a better rise. Expired yeast can lead to dense rolls, so always check the date. - Warm Your Milk Correctly
Milk that’s too hot will kill the yeast, and milk that’s too cold won’t activate it. Stick to about 110°F for the best results. - Shape Rolls Evenly
Rolling the dough into equal-sized portions ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation. - Don’t Overbake
Bake just until golden brown—overbaking can lead to dry rolls. Keep an eye on them after the 12-minute mark. - Brush with Butter Immediately
Brushing the hot rolls with melted butter right after baking locks in moisture and adds a deliciously rich flavor.
The Yeast Roll Hotline (Q & A)
1. What can I serve with these yeast rolls?
These rolls pair well with soups, stews, roasted meats, or even a simple butter and jam spread. They’re also perfect for holiday feasts!
2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
3. How can I make these rolls even fluffier?
A second quick rise (even for just 5 minutes) before baking can help create an extra airy texture.
4. Can I freeze these yeast rolls?
Absolutely! Bake them, let them cool completely, and store in an airtight container. Warm them in the oven before serving.
5. What’s the best way to reheat these rolls?
Wrap them in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.
6. Can I add extra flavors to these rolls?
Yes! Try mixing in garlic powder, herbs, or even shredded cheese for a savory twist.
The Final Crumb (Wrap-Up)
If you’re looking for the easiest way to whip up warm, buttery, homemade yeast rolls in no time, this recipe is your new best friend. No long proofing times, no complicated steps—just soft, fluffy goodness in 20 minutes flat.
So the next time you need a last-minute bread fix, skip the store-bought dinner rolls with active dry yeast and make these instead. I promise they’ll be the star of the table, and no one will guess they came together so quickly!
