Soft Vegan Dinner Rolls

Name: Soft Vegan Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 170 min
Ingredients: 1 cup(s) plant-based milk ((such as oat or soy)); 2 ¼ teaspoon(s)(1 packet) instant yeast; 3 tablespoon(s) white sugar (divided); 1/4 cup(s) vegan butter (softened); 1 teaspoon(s) salt; 3 cup(s) all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon(s) melted vegan butter; 1 tablespoon(s) maple syrup or agave

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Soft Vegan Dinner Rolls

Light, fluffy, buttery, golden with just a hint of sweetness—these Soft Vegan Dinner Rolls are everything you want in a bread basket and more. Made with simple plant-based ingredients, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion—from cozy weeknight dinners to festive holiday spreads. And yes, they’re so good you’ll want to eat them straight out of the pan (I speak from experience).

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Prep Time25

Cook Time25

Rising Time2

Total Time2 50

Meal Type: Sides

Keyword: bread, rolls

Special: 10 Ingredients or Less, Freezer-Friendly, Nut-Free, Seasonal (Hot Weather)

Tool: Mixer/Handmixer, Oven

Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

1 cup(s) plant-based milk (such as oat or soy)
2 ¼ teaspoon(s)(1 packet) instant yeast
3 tablespoon(s) white sugar divided
1/4 cup(s) vegan butter softened
1 teaspoon(s) salt
3 cup(s) all-purpose flour

Optional Topping:

1 tablespoon(s) melted vegan butter
1 tablespoon(s) maple syrup or agave

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: Warm the plant-based milk in the microwave for about 60 seconds, or until it reaches bath water temperature (110°F/ 43°C if using a thermometer). Pour the warmed milk into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar, stirring gently. Cover with a clean dish towel and let sit for 5–10 minutes until very foamy.
Make the Dough: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, softened vegan butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir to form a shaggy dough.
By Hand: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Stand Mixer: Use a dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Lightly grease a large, clean mixing bowl with a bit of oil or melted vegan butter. Place the dough ball in the bowl, turning it to coat in the oil. Cover with a clean dish towel and set in a warm spot to rise for 1–1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. The oven with the just light turned on works well.
Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
Second Rise: Cover with a clean dish towel and set in a warm spot to rise for another 1 hour, or until puffy.
Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the melted butter and maple syrup mixture for a golden, shiny finish. If you prefer less sweetness, brush with melted butter alone.
Serving: Allow the rolls to cool in the pan until they are warm but easy to handle. Serve them alongside dinner, spread with vegan butter, or enjoy them as they are—soft, fluffy, and delicious!
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead and Re-Warming:After making the rolls and brushing them with the butter-maple mixture, allow them to cool. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. When you're ready to re-warm, follow either the oven or microwave method below:

Oven Method (Best for Restoring Freshness): Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the rolls in aluminum foil to keep them from drying out, and bake for 10–15 minutes until warm. For a slightly crispier exterior, remove the foil during the last 2–3 minutes.
Microwave Method (Quickest): Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat for 15–20 seconds per roll, or until warm.

Sweetener Swap: You can substitute the sugar with an equal amount of a liquid sweetener, such as maple syrup or agave, or a granulated alternative like coconut sugar. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may slightly increase the dough's stickiness, so you might need to add a touch more flour during kneading.

Sugar-Free Option: You can make these rolls without sugar if desired. Keep in mind that the yeast may take longer to activate, the rolls will have a less sweet flavor, and the crust might not brown as much. However, the texture should stay soft, and the rolls will still be delicious. Enjoy!

Oil-Free Option: To make these rolls without added fat, substitute the softened vegan butter with unsweetened applesauce or plant-based yogurt. The rolls will be slightly less rich but still soft and tasty. For brushing, use a bit of plant-based milk mixed with a dash of maple syrup or agave for a shiny finish.

Whole Wheat Rolls: For a heartier version, you can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The rolls will be slightly denser but still soft. You may need an extra tablespoon or two of plant-based milk to achieve the right dough consistency.

Nutrition

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