Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls

These Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls are the ultimate comfort food. Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, they’re perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or holiday meals. With minimal effort, you can enjoy warm, homemade rolls that rise beautifully and have a golden crust.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough hook (if using a stand mixer)
• Baking sheet or round pan
• Clean kitchen towel
• Pastry brush

Ingredients Overview

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the rolls, creating the perfect texture.
• Yeast: The leavening agent that makes the rolls rise and gives them their fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Milk: Provides moisture and enhances the richness of the dough.
• Butter: Adds flavor and creates a tender crumb.
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

• Warm 1 cup of milk (to about 110°F, warm to the touch but not hot).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.

2. Mix the Dough

• Add 1 egg, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
• Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough

• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes.

4. First Rise

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the Rolls

• Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a greased baking sheet or in a round pan.

6. Second Rise

• Cover the rolls with the kitchen towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffed up.

7. Bake the Rolls

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Brush the rolls with melted butter for a golden finish.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.

8. Serve

• Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.

Recipe Tips

• Warm Environment: Yeast loves warmth! Let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough a day in advance, refrigerate after the first rise, and bring to room temperature before shaping.
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Pair these rolls with hearty soups, like chicken noodle or creamy tomato, for a cozy meal.
• They’re also excellent alongside roasted meats or holiday meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes! Substitute active dry yeast with an equal amount of instant yeast, and you can skip the activation step—just mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter as substitutes.

Why didn’t my rolls rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and your liquids are warm (but not too hot). Extreme temperatures can kill the yeast.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter (plus more for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let sit until foamy.
2. Add egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough until smooth, then let rise for 1 hour.
4. Shape into 12 rolls, place on a greased pan, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
5. Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden.

These Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls are sure to become a family favorite with their tender texture and buttery flavor. Enjoy!

Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls

the ultimate comfort food. Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, they’re perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or holiday meals. With minimal effort, you can enjoy warm, homemade rolls that rise beautifully and have a golden crust.

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Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough hook (if using a stand mixer)
• Baking sheet or round pan
• Clean kitchen towel
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup warm milk 110°F
• 2 1/4 teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter plus more for brushing
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

 

• Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let sit until foamy.
• Add egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough until smooth, then let rise for 1 hour.
• Shape into 12 rolls, place on a greased pan, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
• Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
• These Easy Big Fat Yeast Rolls are sure to become a family favorite with their tender texture and buttery flavor. Enjoy!