How to Make Scrumptious Quick Homemade Rolls

Master the art of baking soft, fluffy homemade rolls in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients and easy steps for any meal.

By Medha deb
Created on

How to Make Scrumptious, Quick Homemade Rolls

Homemade rolls don’t have to take hours of waiting for dough to rise. With this quick recipe, you can enjoy soft, fluffy, buttery rolls ready in about 30 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or any time you crave fresh bread without the fuss. This method uses active dry yeast proofed in warm water for a fast rise, combined with a stand mixer for effortless kneading.

Why Choose Quick Homemade Rolls?

Store-bought rolls often contain preservatives and lack the fresh-baked flavor of homemade. Quick rolls solve common pain points: no long rising times, minimal ingredients, and restaurant-quality results at home. They’re versatile—serve plain, with herbs, or as sliders. Families love them for their pillowy texture and golden crust.

  • Speed: From mixing to baking, under 30 minutes total.
  • Simplicity: Basic pantry staples; no advanced skills needed.
  • Customization: Add garlic, cheese, or whole wheat for variety.

Ingredients for Quick Chive Rolls (Makes 12-24 Rolls)

This recipe yields tender rolls with a hint of chives for flavor. Scale up for larger batches. Use bread flour for best structure, but all-purpose works well.

IngredientQuantityNotes
Warm water (105-110°F)1 cup + 2 TbspPerfect temp activates yeast quickly without killing it.
Vegetable or olive oil⅓ cupAdds tenderness; canola or olive both work.
Active dry yeast2 TbspProofs fast; substitute rapid-rise if skipping proofing.
Sugar¼ cupFeeds yeast and sweetens dough mildly.
Salt1½ tspEnhances flavor; add after yeast proofs.
Egg1 largeRoom temperature for better incorporation; adds richness.
Bread or all-purpose flour3½-4 cupsStart with less; add as needed for soft dough.
Fresh chives, chopped (optional)¼ cupFor savory twist; add during kneading.
Melted butter2-3 TbspFor brushing tops post-bake.

Pro Tip: For whole wheat version, swap half the flour. Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 blend like Bob’s Red Mill.

Equipment You’ll Need

Keep it simple—no fancy gear required, though a stand mixer speeds things up.

  • Stand mixer with dough hook (or mixing bowl and wooden spoon)
  • 9×13-inch baking pan, greased
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Instant-read thermometer (for water)
  • Plastic wrap or clean towel for covering

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps precisely for foolproof results. Total time: 30 minutes.

  1. Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F (204°C). Position rack in middle.
  2. Proof Yeast: In mixer bowl, combine warm water (105-110°F), oil, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently; let sit 5-15 minutes until foamy and bubbly. This confirms yeast is alive.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add egg, salt, and 2 cups flour. Mix on low with dough hook until combined.
  4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add remaining flour (1 cup at a time) while kneading on medium. Dough should be soft, smooth, slightly sticky—not dry. Knead 3-5 minutes. If too wet, add flour 1 Tbsp at a time.
  5. Shape Rolls: Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Divide into 12-24 equal pieces (2 oz each for larger rolls). Roll into tight balls, tucking edges under.
  6. Second Rise: Place in greased 9×13 pan, sides touching. Cover; let rest 10 minutes in warm spot (e.g., near oven).
  7. Bake: Bake 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Tops should sound hollow when tapped.
  8. Finish: Brush hot rolls with melted butter. Optional: Sprinkle sea salt or chives. Cool slightly before serving.

Visual Guide:

  • Proofed yeast: Bubbly like frothy beer.
  • Ready dough: Pulls from bowl sides, elastic.
  • Done rolls: Deep gold, 190-200°F internal temp.

Tips for Perfect Quick Rolls Every Time

Avoid common pitfalls with these expert hacks.

  • Yeast Check: Always proof; dead yeast ruins batches. Water too hot (>115°F) kills it; too cold slows activation.
  • Flour Adjustments: Humidity affects dough—feel over measure. Aim for tacky, not sticky.
  • Warm Environment: Drafts kill rise. Use oven light or proofing box for 80-85°F spot.
  • Don’t Overbake: Pull at first golden hint; carryover cooking finishes them.
  • Storage: Room temp in airtight bag: 2 days. Freeze baked: 3 months. Reheat at 350°F, brushed with butter.

Variations to Try

Customize for any occasion.

VariationAdd-InsBake Time Adjustment
Garlic Butter Rolls2 tsp garlic powder + ¼ cup parmesan in dough; brush with garlic butter.Same
Whole Wheat50% whole wheat flour.+2 minutes
Herb Rolls2 Tbsp rosemary or dill instead of chives.Same
Sweet RollsExtra 2 Tbsp sugar; cinnamon swirl.+3-5 minutes
Gluten-Free1:1 GF flour blend; add 1 tsp xanthan gum if not included.Same

Nutrition Information (Per Roll, 24 servings)

Approximate values based on standard recipe.

  • Calories: 120
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Sodium: 180mg

Lower calories by reducing oil or using skim milk splash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these without a stand mixer?

A: Yes! Mix by hand with a wooden spoon, then knead on floured counter 8-10 minutes until smooth.

Q: Why didn’t my yeast bubble?

A: Check expiration or water temp. Replace yeast if over a year old.

Q: How do I know when dough is kneaded enough?

A: It passes ‘windowpane test’—stretch thin without tearing.

Q: Can I prepare dough ahead?

A: Refrigerate shaped rolls up to 24 hours; let rise 20 minutes before baking.

Q: Are these rolls freezable?

A: Yes, freeze baked or unbaked. Thaw/rise as needed.

Q: What’s the best flour for fluffiest rolls?

A: Bread flour for higher protein/gluten development; all-purpose is fine for beginners.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Quick fixes for perfect results:

  • Dense rolls: Under-kneaded or weak yeast.
  • Flat rolls: Over-proofed or oven too cool.
  • Dry texture: Too much flour; measure by weight if possible (480g total).
  • Pale tops: Lower rack or convection fan off.

Practice once, and you’ll master these forever. Pair with soups, roasts, or Thanksgiving turkey for rave reviews.

References

  1. 30 Minute Rolls – Roll Recipe from Your Homebased Mom — Your Homebased Mom. 2023-05-15. https://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/30-minute-rolls/
  2. 30 Minute Dinner Rolls — Spend With Pennies. 2024-11-20. https://www.spendwithpennies.com/30-minute-dinner-rolls/
  3. 30 Minute Dinner Rolls — Kylee Cooks. 2023-08-10. https://www.kyleecooks.com/30-minute-dinner-rolls/
  4. The BEST Dinner Rolls — Mom On Timeout. 2024-03-05. https://www.momontimeout.com/the-best-dinner-rolls-recipe/
  5. How to Make Scrumptious, Quick Homemade Rolls — Wise Bread. 2015-06-12. https://www.wisebread.com/how-to-make-scrumptious-quick-homemade-rolls
Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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