Best Soft Fluffy Rolls

My apartment smelled like a bakery on a rainy Tuesday afternoon when I first attempted vegan rolls, convinced they'd be dense or disappointing. The steam fogged up my windows while these golden beauties rose, and I kept peeking under the towel like an anxious parent. That first bite, still warm from the oven, completely changed my mind about what plant-based baking could achieve.

I brought these to Thanksgiving last year, watching my dairy-loving uncle reach for seconds before realizing they were completely vegan. His surprised laugh made all the kneading worth it. Now they're the one thing everyone actually requests.

Ingredients

• Plant-based milk: Warm it gently, testing with your wrist like feeding a bottle to a baby
• Vegan butter: Use a high-quality brand that actually melts smoothly, not those weird oily ones
• Organic cane sugar: Feeds the yeast without making the rolls taste sweet
• Active dry yeast: Check the expiration date and watch for that beautiful foam
• All-purpose flour: No need for bread flour here, regular works perfectly
• Fine sea salt: Enhances flavor without being overpowering
• Extra vegan butter: For brushing hot rolls, creating that irresistible glossy finish

Instructions

Wake up the yeast:

Warm your milk until it feels pleasantly warm on your wrist, then stir in melted butter and sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle yeast across the surface and watch it bloom into tiny bubbles.

Build the dough:

Add flour and salt, mixing until everything comes together into a shaggy ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Knead with purpose:

Turn onto a floured surface and push, fold, and turn the dough for about eight minutes until it feels like silk under your palms.

Let it rise:

Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and find the warmest corner of your kitchen for an hour of uninterrupted growth.

Shape your rolls:

Punch down gently, divide into twelve pieces, and tuck edges under to create smooth, tight balls that nestle together in your baking dish.

Second rise:

Cover and let them puff up again for thirty minutes until they're touching and looking pillowy.

Bake to golden:

Slide into a preheated oven and wait for that incredible smell to fill your kitchen, about nineteen minutes.

The butter finish:

Brush immediately with melted butter while they're still hot, watching it soak in and create the most beautiful shine.

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These rolls became my go-to comfort food during a particularly stressful month. Something about the rhythm of kneading and watching them rise felt like a small victory I could control.

Make Ahead Magic

You can shape these rolls the night before and refrigerate them, letting them come to room temperature while your oven preheats. Weekend mornings feel so much easier when breakfast is already halfway done.

Flavor Adventures

I've experimented with adding roasted garlic, rosemary, or even everything bagel seasoning to the dough. My favorite variation swaps plain milk for unsweetened oat milk, which somehow makes them even fluffier.

Storage Secrets

Cooled rolls freeze beautifully, wrapped individually so you can grab just what you need. Reheat in a 350 degree oven for five minutes and they taste freshly baked.

• Place a piece of parchment paper between frozen rolls for easy separation
• Refresh day-old rolls by sprinkling with water and warming briefly
• Never refrigerate bread, it actually stales faster in the cold

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There is something deeply satisfying about pulling apart a warm roll you created from nothing but flour and patience. Hope these become part of your kitchen traditions too.

Recipe FAQs

→ What plant-based milk works best?

Unsweetened almond milk is recommended, but soy, oat, or cashew milk can be substituted with similar results.

→ How do I achieve fluffy texture?

Allowing the dough to rise twice and kneading until smooth ensures a soft and fluffy roll.

→ Can I add flavor variations?

Yes, incorporating garlic powder or fresh herbs into the dough adds delightful extra notes.

→ What is the best way to store these rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container. They freeze well and can be gently reheated before serving.

→ Are these rolls suitable for dairy-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients used are plant-based, making the rolls completely dairy-free.