Soft Fluffy Vegan Dinner Rolls

The winter holidays were approaching and my omnivore family was coming over. I panic-baked three different bread recipes that week, determined to find something nobody could critique. These rolls disappeared first, and my aunt actually asked for the recipe twice.

My roommate walked in while I was testing batches and asked if I was secretly backsliding on dairy. The smell alone fills the whole apartment like an actual bakery. Now they request these specifically for Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: Warm it gently, not hot, or you will kill your yeast before the party even starts
• 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted: This creates tenderness in the crumb and that buttery aroma that makes people question if these are really vegan
• 1/4 cup organic cane sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps the rolls develop that gorgeous golden color in the oven
• 1 packet active dry yeast: Check the expiration date because old yeast is the heartbreak of failed bread baking
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Bread flour works too but regular flour gives a perfectly soft dinner roll texture
• 1 tsp fine sea salt: Do not skip this because bread without salt tastes like sad unsalted crackers
• 2 tbsp vegan butter for brushing: This final glossy coat makes the tops irresistible and keeps them soft

Instructions

Wake up the yeast:

Warm your milk until it feels like a comfortable baby bath, stir in the melted butter and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top like you are seasoning it

Mix the dough:

Add the flour and salt and stir until it looks shaggy and messy, trusting that it will come together beautifully

Knead with purpose:

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and push, fold, and turn for 8 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic under your hands

Let it rise:

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

Shape the rolls:

Punch down the dough gently, divide into 12 equal pieces, and tuck the edges under each piece to form smooth balls

Second rise:

Arrange the rolls in your baking dish, cover again, and let them puff up for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven

Bake to golden:

Slide them into a 375°F oven and wait for your kitchen to smell amazing, about 18 to 20 minutes

Butter and serve:

Brush the hot rolls immediately with melted butter so it soaks into the crust, then let them cool just enough to handle

Save

These rolls have become my signature contribution to every gathering. Watching people hesitantly try one and then reach for a second is my favorite kind of kitchen victory.

Make Ahead Magic

You can shape the rolls the night before, cover the dish tightly, and let them do their final rise in the refrigerator. Bring them to room temperature while the oven preheats and bake as directed. The cold fermentation actually develops better flavor.

Freezing Instructions

Fresh-baked rolls freeze beautifully once completely cooled. Wrap them individually in plastic, then place in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw on the counter and warm at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh that just-baked texture.

Flavor Variations

Sometimes I add roasted garlic or fresh rosemary to the dough for a dinner party twist. The basic recipe is so solid that it can handle additions without compromising the texture.

• Try adding everything bagel seasoning on top after brushing with butter
• Mix in 1 cup of shredded vegan cheese for cheesy rolls
• Replace half the white flour with whole wheat for more nutrition

Save

There is something profoundly satisfying about pulling a tray of golden rolls from the oven. These are the kind of simple, honest food that makes a house feel like home.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of milk works best for these rolls?

Unsweetened almond milk is recommended, but soy, oat, or cashew milk can be used as alternatives.

→ Can I add extra flavor to the dough?

Yes, adding 1 tsp garlic powder or fresh herbs to the dough enhances the flavor nicely.

→ How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during the first rise and appear puffy after the second 30-minute rise.

→ What is the best way to store these rolls?

These rolls freeze well. Reheat gently before serving to maintain softness.

→ Why is the melted vegan butter brushed on top after baking?

Brushing melted vegan butter on top adds richness and a buttery flavor while keeping the crust tender.