Description
Easy Brioche Rolls are soft, fluffy, and richly flavored buns made with simple pantry ingredients including all-purpose flour, plant-based dairy, and unsalted plant-based butter. Perfectly tender with a subtle buttery sweetness, these rolls are ideal for sandwiches, burgers, or as a delightful snack. This approachable recipe is suitable for all skill levels and boasts a pillowy texture and golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plant-based dairy (milk alternative), warmed to 110°F (43°C)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (natural)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup unsalted plant-based butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Optional
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
- Herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano) for herbed variation
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla essence (natural) for sweet variation
- Sesame, poppy, or chia seeds for topping (optional)
- Flaxseed or chia seed ‘egg’ substitute (1 tablespoon ground seed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for vegan variation
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons unsalted plant-based butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Warm the plant-based dairy to about 110°F (43°C). Stir in the granulated sugar (natural) and then the active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and the frothy yeast mixture. Add the eggs and softened unsalted plant-based butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms and holds together well.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough by hand for 8 to 10 minutes or with a stand mixer using a dough hook for 5 minutes. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when poked.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a warm towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough gently. Divide it into equal portions and shape each into smooth balls by folding edges under and pinching seams. Arrange rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray with space between each.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel or lightly greased plastic wrap. Allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with a mixture of melted unsalted plant-based butter and apple cider vinegar (natural). Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best dough consistency and yeast activation.
- Do not add too much flour; over-flouring can make rolls dense instead of soft and fluffy.
- Be patient with rising times to achieve the light texture characteristic of brioche.
- Brushing with melted unsalted plant-based butter after baking adds shine and keeps the crust tender.
- Allow rolls to rest after shaping and before baking to help them puff evenly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: brioche rolls, plant-based buns, soft bread, fluffy rolls, homemade bakery rolls, vegan brioche, sandwich buns