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Original Butter Roll Recipe

Southern original butter roll recipe

This Southern original butter roll recipe produces 12 incredibly soft and buttery dinner rolls perfect for any occasion. The recipe combines simple ingredients with traditional Southern techniques to create rolls with a golden exterior and tender, flaky interior. With a preparation time of 20 minutes, rising time of 2 hours, and baking time of 15-18 minutes, these rolls are worth every minute of the process.
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Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Kitchen scale or measuring cups
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Small saucepan
  • Pastry brush
  • Wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk warmed to 110°F
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted and divided
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons additional melted butter for brushing

Instructions
 

  • Begin your Southern original butter roll recipe by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, beaten egg, and ¼ cup of melted butter.
  • Mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms for your Southern original butter roll recipe. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5-6 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  • Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free location for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size. This first rise is crucial for the perfect texture in your Southern original butter roll recipe.
  • Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 equal portions using a kitchen scale for uniformity. Shape each portion into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Arrange the shaped rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, leaving small spaces between each roll.
  • Cover the shaped rolls with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled. Preheat oven to 375°F during the last 15 minutes of rising. Brush the tops of the rolls with remaining melted butter and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown on top.
  • Remove the baked Southern original butter roll recipe rolls from the oven and immediately brush with additional melted butter for extra richness and shine. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

The key to successful Southern original butter roll recipe results is using the correct water temperature for activating yeast – too hot will kill the yeast, while too cool won't activate it properly. Always test milk temperature with a thermometer or the inside of your wrist. The dough should feel slightly sticky but not wet when properly mixed. Avoid adding too much flour during kneading, as this can result in dense rolls that don't match the traditional Southern original butter roll recipe texture.