Vegan Dinner Rolls Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this one! These soft, pillowy, fresh-from-the-oven rolls are pure comfort food, and the best part? They’re completely plant-based and wonderfully easy to make. This Vegan Dinner Rolls Recipe has become one of my absolute faves when I want a batch of fluffy, buttery buns that everyone, vegan or not, will devour. Stick around—I’m sharing all the tips to help you nail these rolls with ease and a little kitchen magic.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Vegan Dinner Rolls Recipe brings together just a handful of ingredients that play perfectly off each other. The soy milk keeps the rolls tender and moist, while the vegan butter adds richness and flavor. Instant yeast gives a quick rise, meaning you don’t have to wait around all day. Here’s what you’ll want to grab for success.

• Unsweetened soy milk: Acts as the dairy-free base, providing moisture and softness; warm it gently for best yeast activation.
• Instant rapid rise yeast: Kick-starts fermentation quickly so your dough rises fast and beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast, encouraging that lovely fluffiness and a hint of sweetness.
• Vegan butter, softened: Adds richness and a silky crumb; I love using Country Crock, but Miyoko’s works great too.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough—start with 4 cups, then add more to get the right soft, slightly sticky texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor overall.
• Melted vegan butter (for brushing): Gives that irresistible shiny, golden finish once they’re out of the oven.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’ll admit I often customize these rolls depending on what I have or the vibe I want. Sometimes I sprinkle a little garlic powder on top, or swap in oat milk for soy to change up the flavor profile. Don’t be shy about making this recipe your own—it’s forgiving and loves creativity as much as I do!

• Garlic Herb Rolls: I once added a teaspoon of garlic powder plus chopped fresh rosemary right into the dough—and oh boy, they stole the show at my dinner party!
• Gluten-Free Version: I haven’t tried this extensively, but I’ve heard mixes focused on bread flours can work; if you experiment, please share your results—I’m curious!
• Sweet Rolls Variation: For a brunch twist, I add a bit more sugar and a cinnamon swirl; they come out just as soft but with a sweet surprise.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Warming Up the Milk & Activating the Yeast

Start by warming your soy milk in the microwave for about a minute or two until it’s just warm to the touch—think bath temperature. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast, which is the one thing that’ll make or break your rolls! Then whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in your mixing bowl. Let it sit for 3 minutes until it bubbles up and looks foamy. If it doesn’t, don’t panic—just start again with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Mixing and Kneading the Dough

Add in the softened vegan butter, salt, and 4 cups of flour. If you have a stand mixer, hook it up with the dough hook and mix on low until the flour is mostly absorbed. Slowly add additional flour—about half a cup at a time—until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a soft, slightly sticky ball. I usually knead with the mixer for about 5 minutes. If you don’t have a mixer, a sturdy wooden spoon and 10 minutes of hand kneading will get you there! The key is that lovely soft texture that’s sticky but manageable.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it snugly with a towel, and find a warm cozy spot for it to rise. I usually put mine on top of my fridge or near an oven that’s on low. In about 30 minutes, the dough should have doubled in size—that’s when you know it’s ready for the next step.

Step 4: Shaping the Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently—that satisfying little “puff” kind of sound means the air’s been released just enough. On a floured surface, pat the dough into a large rectangle and cut it into four long strips, then slice each strip into six pieces for even rolls. Here’s my favorite trick: pull the seams of each ball downward so the top gets really smooth, then place the smooth side up on your baking dish—your rolls will look bakery-worthy! If you’re in a rush, just pinching off dough bits and rolling them into balls works fine too.

Step 5: Second Rise & Baking

Arrange the rolls close together on a quarter baking sheet or 9×13 pan, cover again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Then preheat your oven to 375°F. Pop the rolls in and bake for 12-15 minutes until they’re a gorgeous golden brown. If you notice they’re browning too fast, tent them with foil for the rest of the bake. Right when you pull them out, brush the tops with melted vegan butter for that perfect shiny finishing touch.

How to Serve Vegan Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a generous brush of melted vegan butter right out of the oven—that golden shine is irresistible. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of flair. For a cozy vibe, chopped fresh rosemary or thyme sprinkled before baking adds an herbal bite that’s just dreamy.

Side Dishes

These rolls are my go-to companions for so many meals. They pair beautifully with hearty vegan soups like lentil or tomato basil, and I love serving them alongside stews or salads for a balanced dinner. Once, I made a big holiday dinner with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, and these buns—everyone was begging for seconds!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the rolls in a braided wreath on a baking sheet, brushing with garlic-herb butter after baking. It makes such a showstopper centerpiece—and everyone can just pull apart their own fluffy piece. Another fun way? Stuffing the rolls with vegan pesto or sun-dried tomato spread before the second rise for melty, savory bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the rolls have cooled completely, I store them in a covered container or a ziplock bag on the counter—they stay soft for up to three days. I like to avoid the fridge since that can dry them out. Just give them a quick reheat and they’re as good as fresh.

Freezing

Freeze any extras by wrapping individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then popping them in a freezer bag. When you want a treat, thaw them overnight on the counter or pop frozen rolls directly into a warm oven for a few minutes—they come back tasting freshly baked!

Reheating

I reheat leftover rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes wrapped loosely in foil, which keeps them soft and prevents drying. A quick brush of melted vegan butter after reheating revives that fresh-baked glow and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Dinner Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s my go-to for those cozy, made-with-love meals. The soft texture, the golden crust, and that buttery finish come together to create something truly comforting without any fuss. If you’re looking for a recipe to impress friends or just to treat yourself on a weeknight, this one won’t let you down. Give it a try—you’ll have a batch of warm, dreamy rolls before you know it!

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