Fluffy Soft Bread Rolls Recipe: Bakery-Fresh Magic at Home

Golden, pillowy soft bread rolls have been my weekend baking obsession lately.

Mixing ingredients becomes a rhythmic dance in my kitchen.

Warm aromas of yeast and flour drift through the house, promising deliciousness.

Family members peek around corners, drawn by the incredible scent.

Kneading dough requires patience and gentle hands, transforming simple components into something magical.

Crisp crusts and tender interiors await you in this straightforward recipe.

Each roll promises comfort and satisfaction on your plate.

What Goes Well with Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls

• Pair with Homemade Butter and Honey: Spread fresh homemade butter and local wildflower honey on warm soft bread rolls for a luxurious breakfast experience.
• Complement with Herbal Tea or Coffee: Serve these soft rolls alongside a steaming cup of chamomile tea or robust morning coffee to enhance the bread's delicate texture.
• Match with Savory Dips: Create a delightful appetizer spread with garlic herb dip, olive tapenade, or creamy spinach spread that perfectly complements the rolls' soft and fluffy interior.
• Create Sandwich Sensations: Transform these rolls into mini sandwiches with roasted turkey, fresh arugula, and a light spread of dijon mustard for a quick and satisfying lunch option.

Best Ways to Store Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls Recipe

• Store leftover bread rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container. Seal completely, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to prevent further browning. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Unwrap and brush with melted butter for extra softness.
• Wrap rolls in a damp paper towel. Microwave on 50% power for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs About Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls Recipe

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

Proof the yeast by mixing it with warm milk and sugar. If it becomes foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes, your yeast is alive and ready to use.

• Why is kneading important for bread rolls?

Kneading develops gluten, which gives bread its soft, stretchy texture and helps the dough rise properly, creating light and fluffy rolls.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

• What if my dough doesn't rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh, the liquid is warm (not hot), and let the dough rise in a draft-free, warm place like near a preheated oven.

What’s to Love About Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls Recipe

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for home bakers seeking a delightful bread recipe that doesn't require advanced skills, making it ideal for beginners wanting to explore the world of homemade bread.
• Create Comforting Memories: These soft, warm rolls bring families together, offering a nostalgic touch to meals and creating cherished moments around the dinner table.
• Versatile Serving Options: Excellent alongside soups, salads, or as a standalone snack, these rolls complement various dishes and can be enjoyed throughout the day.
• Minimal Ingredient Requirement: Uses simple pantry staples, allowing you to craft delicious bread without complicated or expensive ingredients, making it a budget-friendly choice for home cooks.

Ingredients for Baking Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the soft bread rolls.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb in the bread rolls.
• Yeast: Essential for making the bread rise and develop a light, airy texture.

• Butter, Sugar, Salt: Contribute to flavor, richness, and help control yeast activity.

• Water: Helps hydrate the flour and activate the yeast for proper dough development.

Directions to Make Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine warm milk with a portion of sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add the remaining sugar, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually incorporate flour into the wet ingredients, stirring continuously. Keep mixing until a soft, shaggy dough begins to form. The consistency should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead thoroughly. If using hands, knead for about 10 minutes. If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for approximately 2 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.

Step 5: First Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot for around 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into smooth, round balls and arrange them in a greased baking tin, ensuring they are slightly touching.

Step 7: Second Dough Rise

Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30-60 minutes. They should look puffy and have increased in volume.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 23-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Brush the hot rolls with melted butter for extra shine and flavor. Allow them to cool slightly before serving warm and enjoying their soft, pillowy texture.

Tips That Help Perfect Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls

• Butter Brushing Technique: Gently brush warm, melted butter over freshly baked rolls for a golden, shiny crust that adds rich flavor and softness.
• Yeast Activation Secret: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to activate yeast properly without killing it, creating perfect rise and fluffy texture.
• Kneading Pro Tip: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, which creates soft, tender bread with excellent structure and consistent crumb.
• Rising Environment Hack: Place dough in warm, draft-free area like inside an oven with light on to help consistent and efficient rising.
• Storage Smart Move: Keep rolls fresh by storing in airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to one month.

Optional Spins on Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls Recipe

• Whole Wheat Wonder: Replace half the white flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more nutritious bread roll with added fiber and a rustic texture.
• Herb-Infused Rolls: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough for aromatic, savory bread rolls that pair perfectly with soups and salads.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the soft, pillowy texture for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with coconut oil to create a vegan-friendly version of these soft bread rolls.

Soft Bread Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: Approximately 3 hrs 15-20 mins (including two rises totaling about 2.5 to 2.75 hrs and baking)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful “soft bread rolls” bring warmth from grandma’s kitchen, promising comfort in every golden-brown bite. Hearty and simple, these rolls will transport you to moments of pure culinary joy with their irresistible aroma and tender texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (warmed to 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

Sweeteners and Fats:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (4 tablespoons melted, 1 tablespoon for brushing)

Seasonings:

• 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast by combining it with warm milk and a portion of sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and develop for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate remaining sugar, salt, and softened butter into the activated yeast mixture, stirring until well combined.
3. Gradually introduce flour to the liquid ingredients, mixing systematically until a cohesive dough formation occurs.
4. Knead the dough thoroughly, either manually for 10 minutes or using a dough hook attachment for 2-3 minutes, ensuring smooth and elastic consistency.
5. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow to rise in a warm environment for 1.5-2 hours until volume doubles.
6. Gently deflate the risen dough and divide into equal portions, carefully shaping each into smooth, uniform round balls.
7. Arrange shaped dough balls in a greased baking tin, maintaining slight separation between each roll.
8. Cover the tin and permit a second rising period of 30-45 minutes, allowing rolls to become puffy and expanded.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
10. Remove from oven, brush generously with melted butter, and allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

• Enhance butter brush by using melted clarified butter for richer flavor and golden-brown crust.
• Check yeast activation by ensuring warm milk temperature stays between 100-110°F to prevent killing active yeast cultures.
• Experiment with flour varieties like whole wheat or gluten-free blends for alternative dietary needs while maintaining soft texture.
• Create moisture-rich rolls by covering with damp kitchen towel during rising process to prevent dough surface from drying out.

• Prep Time: 2 hrs 10 mins (including 5 mins yeast foaming, kneading 10 mins, and initial mixing)
• Cook Time: 23-25 mins
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 211 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 234 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg