Soft Fluffy Vegan Dinner Rolls

The smell of fresh bread baking has this way of stopping time in my kitchen. I developed these vegan dinner rolls during a holiday season when I wanted everyone at my table to experience the same comfort, regardless of dietary preferences. My bread-obsessed nephew actually asked if I was "sure these were vegan" after eating three in one sitting.

I once made a double batch for Thanksgiving and watched my skeptical grandmother reach for seconds. The way these rolls pull apart with that perfect tender crumb makes any meal feel special. Now my friends request them for every dinner party.

Ingredients

• Unsweetened almond milk: Warm this gently to about body temperature to activate the yeast without killing it
• Vegan butter: Use a high quality brand that actually tastes good cold
• Organic cane sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps achieve that golden brown finish
• Active dry yeast: Check the expiration date because old yeast leads to dense rolls
• All-purpose flour: Bread flour works too but AP gives a softer more tender result
• Fine sea salt: Essential for flavor and helps control yeast activity

Instructions

Wake up the yeast:

Warm your plant milk until it feels like a comfortable bath temperature then stir in the melted butter and sugar until dissolved

Let it bloom:

Sprinkle the yeast on top and wait 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy layer forming on the surface

Bring it together:

Add your flour and salt then mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms that pulls away from the sides

Knead until smooth:

Turn onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until the dough feels silky and bounces back when poked

First rise:

Place in an oiled bowl cover with a warm towel and let it double in size for about an hour in a cozy spot

Shape the rolls:

Punch down gently then divide into 12 pieces rolling each into a smooth ball and placing them in your baking dish

Second rise:

Cover again and let them puff up for 30 minutes until they look like little clouds touching each other

Bake to golden:

Bake at 375 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes until the tops are beautifully browned and they sound hollow when tapped

Butter finish:

Brush immediately with melted vegan butter while still hot for that irresistible glossy finish

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These rolls became my go-to contribution for family gatherings after my sister called me specifically to request them for her birthday dinner. There is something magical about serving warm bread that makes people slow down and connect.

Getting The Rise Right

Your dough needs a warm draft free spot to rise properly. I turn my oven light on and place the bowl inside the closed oven the gentle warmth is perfect. If your kitchen runs cold the rising time might extend a bit and that is completely normal.

Shaping Secrets

The key to uniform rolls is using a kitchen scale to divide the dough evenly. When shaping pull the edges underneath and pinch gently to create surface tension. This helps them rise tall instead of spreading sideways during baking.

Make Ahead Magic

You can shape these rolls the night before and refrigerate them covered in the baking dish. Let them come to room temperature while the oven preheats then bake as directed. The overnight rest actually develops more flavor.

• Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months wrapped tightly
• Reheat frozen rolls at 350 degrees for 5 minutes
• Brush with fresh butter after reheating for that just baked taste

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Nothing beats pulling apart a warm roll fresh from the oven. These have become the unexpected star of every meal I share.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of milk works best?

Unsweetened almond milk is recommended, but soy, oat, or cashew milk are excellent alternatives.

→ Can I enhance the flavor of the dough?

Yes, adding garlic powder or fresh herbs to the dough adds a delightful flavor twist.

→ How long should the dough rise?

The dough should rise for about 1 hour until doubled, then again for 30 minutes after shaping.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, these rolls freeze well. Reheat gently to maintain their soft texture.

→ What is the best way to store the rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for several days.