Fluffy Make-Ahead Breakfast Rolls

$- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup warm milk (110°F) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled - 3 large eggs, room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract To make fluffy breakfast rolls, you need the right ingredients. All-purpose flour gives the rolls structure. Sugar adds a touch of sweetness. Instant yeast helps the rolls rise and become airy. Salt balances the flavors. Warm milk helps activate the yeast and adds moisture. Melted unsalted butter adds richness. Eggs provide moisture and a soft texture. Vanilla extract adds a lovely flavor. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage - 1/2 cup cooked spinach For extra flavor, consider adding some mix-ins. Shredded cheddar cheese makes the rolls cheesy and delicious. Cooked and crumbled sausage adds a savory bite. Cooked spinach gives a healthy twist. You can mix and match or choose just one. - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 tablespoon melted butter A sweet glaze makes these rolls even better. You can use honey for a floral note or maple syrup for a rich taste. Mixing in melted butter gives the glaze a nice shine. Brush this glaze over the rolls right after baking for a sweet finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 packet of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them well until blended. 2. Next, gather your wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of warm milk, 1/2 cup of melted and cooled unsalted butter, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until it's combined. 3. Now, slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. If you want to add flavor, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled sausage or spinach. 1. Time to knead! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes. Your goal is a smooth and elastic dough. 2. Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. It should double in size. 1. After the first rise, punch down the dough gently. Divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each piece into a ball. 2. Place the dough balls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Make sure they are close but not touching. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let them rise for another 30-40 minutes until they puff up. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown on top. 3. While the rolls bake, mix 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup with about a tablespoon of melted butter. Heat it until warm. 4. Once the rolls are done, brush the warm honey mixture over the top. This adds a sweet finish. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. To make the best breakfast rolls, dough elasticity is key. Knead the dough well. This helps it become smooth and stretchy. A good dough should spring back when you poke it. If it doesn’t, knead a bit more. The rising environment matters too. Place your dough in a warm spot. Ideal temperatures are between 75°F and 80°F. A cozy kitchen or a turned-off oven can work well. Cover the bowl with a cloth to keep warmth in. To keep rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. If you plan to eat them later, avoid stacking them. Keep them in a single layer. For longer storage, freeze the rolls. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to eat. When you want to enjoy your rolls, reheating is easy. You can place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back their fluffiness. Microwaving is another option. Heat them for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it. You want them warm, not dry. Enjoy your fluffy breakfast rolls warm! Pro Tips Proof Your Yeast: Always ensure your yeast is active by mixing it with warm milk and a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dry ingredients. This step guarantees a good rise for your rolls. Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps the dough rise better and creates a fluffier texture in the final rolls. Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten structure, which is crucial for the rolls' texture. Glazing for Shine: For a beautiful finish, brush the rolls with the honey or maple syrup glaze right after they come out of the oven while they're still warm. {{image_2}} You can make these rolls sweet or savory. For sweet rolls, add chocolate chips or cinnamon. For a savory twist, try adding crumbled sausage or cheese. You can also mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Swap out milk for buttermilk for a tangy taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! To make whole wheat rolls, use three cups of whole wheat flour and one cup of all-purpose flour. This mix keeps the rolls fluffy. Whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so add a bit more milk if needed. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. Check that your yeast is gluten-free too. You can freeze these rolls before or after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, place them in the baking dish and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze until firm, then pop them into a bag. For baked rolls, let them cool completely, then store in a freezer bag. To thaw, place unbaked rolls in the fridge overnight. Let them rise for about 40 minutes before baking. For baked rolls, just leave them at room temperature. You can warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. You can serve breakfast rolls with many tasty sides. Fresh fruit adds color and flavor. Sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries work well. You can also enjoy these rolls with eggs. Scrambled or fried eggs pair nicely. For drinks, coffee is a classic choice. It wakes you up and goes well with rolls. You can also try tea or fresh juice. Orange juice adds a bright taste. Want to make breakfast more fun? Use the rolls to create breakfast sandwiches. Add an egg, cheese, and your favorite meat. It makes for a hearty meal. You can also serve rolls with dips. Cream cheese or yogurt dips add a nice touch. Try a honey or fruit spread to enhance the flavor. Make your breakfast table special. Arrange the rolls in a nice basket. Use a clean cloth to cover them. This keeps them warm and adds charm. For a pop of color, add fresh herbs. A sprig of rosemary or parsley looks great. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top for sweetness. You can store the rolls for about three days at room temperature. Keep them in a sealed bag or container. If you want them fresh for longer, freeze them. They last up to three months in the freezer. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Yes, you can make the dough the night before. Prepare the dough, then let it rise for an hour. After that, punch it down and shape it into balls. Place them in a greased dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let the rolls rise for about 30-40 minutes before baking. If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Just remember to activate it first. Mix it with warm milk and sugar, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly. You can also use fresh yeast, but you will need more of it. Absolutely! You can add cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add great flavor. If you want sweet rolls, try adding cinnamon sugar or chocolate chips. Just remember to not overfill the rolls so they bake evenly. These fluffy breakfast rolls are fun to make and enjoy. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect results. You learned how to mix, knead, shape, and bake with ease. Variations let you explore flavors and dietary needs with whole wheat or gluten-free options. Serving ideas help elevate your meal. Whether for breakfast or brunch, these rolls will impress everyone. Remember, the joy is in the process. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious rolls with others!$

Fluffy Make-Ahead Breakfast Rolls

Delicious and soft breakfast rolls that can be prepared in advance.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 2

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
0.25 cup sugar
1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
0.5 cup cooked and crumbled sausage or cooked spinach (optional)
0.25 cup honey or maple syrup (for glaze)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
In another bowl, mix together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
If using, fold in the cheddar cheese and either the crumbled sausage or cooked spinach for added flavor.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
After rising, punch down the dough, and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
Place the dough balls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are close but not touching.
Cover the dish lightly with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30-40 minutes until puffed.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
While the rolls are baking, mix honey or maple syrup with about a tablespoon of melted butter in a small saucepan. Heat just until warm.
Once baked, brush the warm honey mixture over the top of the rolls for a sweet finish.
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These rolls can be made ahead of time and baked fresh in the morning.

Keyword breakfast, make-ahead, rolls