Imagine pulling apart a warm, pillowy yeast roll so soft it practically melts in your mouth, with a golden-brown exterior that promises pure baking perfection. These Big Fat Yeast Rolls aren't just bread – they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable feast. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will have you creating restaurant-quality rolls that will make your family and friends think you've secretly trained as a professional pastry chef!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk (about 110°F) and 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast to the milk mixture. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
- Once the yeast is frothy, add 1/2 cup of melted butter and 2 eggs to the mixture. Whisk together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
- Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spacing them evenly. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls are rising.
- Once the rolls have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan before serving. For an extra touch, brush the tops with melted butter before serving.
Tips
- Always use warm (not hot) milk around 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it
- Let your yeast mixture sit until it becomes frothy - this ensures your rolls will rise beautifully
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and create that perfect soft texture
- Use a warm, draft-free area for rising to help the dough expand
- Don't rush the rising process - patience creates the fluffiest rolls
- Brush with melted butter before and after baking for a luxurious, golden finish
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat briefly for that fresh-baked taste
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg
