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). 🌱🥖

These homemade dinner rolls are easy to make and even easier to eat. Soft, fluffy, and brushed with melted vegan butter and maple syrup while still warm, these buns are a billion times better than any store-bought roll. Trust me, this recipe will become your go-to for any meal that calls for a side of carbs (which, for this carb-loving girl, is just about all of them). 😉

These rolls pair beautifully with soups, vegan roasts, or simply slathered with extra vegan butter. And PS—leftovers make amazing breakfast sandwiches or the perfect way to enjoy those post-Thanksgiving vegan turkey scraps.

COMMON QUESTIONS AND TIPS:

Can I make this dinner roll recipe sugar-free? Yes! While the sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning, you can skip it entirely or use a sugar-free alternative. Note that the yeast might take a little longer to activate, and the rolls may not brown as much, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Can I make these rolls oil-free? Yes! 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.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor. Just note that the rolls might be a bit denser, so you may need to add an extra tablespoon of plant-based milk to keep the dough soft.

How do I store these vegan dinner rolls?

• Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week; warm them up before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Freezing: Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes before serving.

Can I make the rolls ahead of time and rewarm? Yes! 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.

Any topping ideas? Once the vegan dinner rolls are out of the oven, you can brush them with melted vegan butter mixed with a drizzle of maple syrup or agave for a shiny, golden finish. For a savory kick, sprinkle on flaky sea salt, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley. You can also try a little bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy finish!

Do I really need to knead the dough? Yes, kneading is essential for forming the gluten structure that makes these rolls so soft and fluffy. If you’re using a stand mixer, it’s a breeze. If kneading by hand, treat it as a mini arm workout—totally worth it for perfect dinner rolls.

Help! My yeast isn’t foamy. What should I do? Double-check the temperature of your plant-based milk. It should be warm to the touch, like bath water—not too hot or cold. If the yeast still doesn’t foam, it may be expired. Fresh yeast is key for that fluffy texture.

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