Soft Fluffy Vegan Dinner Rolls

The smell of yeast blooming in warm milk always pulls me back to my tiny first apartment kitchen, where I learned that patience and flour could create something magical.

I brought a batch to my sisters Thanksgiving years ago, watching my meat-loving dad reach for third before realizing they were completely plant-based.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: Warmed gently, this creates the perfect environment for yeast to bloom and adds subtle nutty sweetness
• 1/4 cup vegan butter melted: Use a high-quality brand with good fat content for authentic buttery flavor and tenderness
• 1/4 cup organic cane sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps the rolls develop that gorgeous golden brown color
• 1 packet active dry yeast: Fresh yeast makes all the difference so check the expiration date
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Bread flour works too for extra chew but AP gives the softest most pillowy texture
• 1 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the gluten structure
• 2 tbsp vegan butter melted for brushing: This final gloss creates that irresistible restaurant-style finish

Instructions

Wake up the yeast:

Warm your plant-based milk until it feels like bathwater against your wrist then stir in melted butter and sugar before sprinkling the yeast on top like fairy dust

Make the dough:

Add flour and salt to the foamy yeast mixture stirring until everything comes together into a shaggy mass that pulls away from the sides

Knead with intention:

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and fold push and turn for 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth elastic and alive under your palms

First rise:

Place your dough ball in an oiled bowl cover it with a warm towel and let it nap in a cozy corner until it has doubled in size

Shape the rolls:

Gently deflate the dough divide it into 12 equal pieces then tuck and smooth each into a tight ball arranging them in a greased baking dish

Second rise:

Cover the pan again and let the rolls puff up for 30 minutes until they look like soft marshmallows touching each other

Bake to golden:

Slide the pan into a 375°F oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the tops turn the color of autumn leaves

Butter and serve:

Brush the hot rolls immediately with melted vegan butter watching it soak in and create the most tempting glossy finish

Save

These rolls became my go-to contribution for potlucks after watching a skeptical friend declare she could happily eat the entire basket herself.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can shape the rolls the night before cover the dish tightly and refrigerate then let them sit at room temperature for an hour before baking.

Freezing Made Simple

Once completely cooled freeze the rolls in a freezer bag for up to three months then rewarm them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Flavor Variations

Mix garlic powder or fresh herbs into the dough during the flour stage or sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top after buttering for a savory twist.

• Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the butter brushing mixture for subtle sweetness
• Try brushing with olive oil and sprinkling coarse sea salt instead of butter
• Substitute half the flour with whole wheat for more depth and nutrition

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about pulling apart a warm roll you created from nothing but flour and faith.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of milk is best for these rolls?

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

→ Can I add extra flavor to the dough?

Yes, adding garlic powder or fresh herbs to the dough enhances the aroma and taste without overpowering the soft texture.

→ How long should the dough rise?

The dough should rise twice: first for about an hour until doubled in size, then a second 30-minute rise after shaping into rolls, ensuring lightness and fluffiness.

→ What makes these rolls buttery without dairy?

Vegan butter melted and incorporated into the dough, plus brushing it on the rolls after baking, provides a rich, buttery flavor.

→ Can these rolls be frozen?

Yes, they freeze well. To serve, gently reheat them to regain their soft texture and buttery taste.