Fluffy Vegan Dinner Rolls

These fluffy vegan dinner rolls are the perfect side dish for any meal. Soft, golden, and buttery (without the dairy), they’re simple to make and irresistible fresh from the oven. Whether for holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, these rolls are sure to be a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are everything a good dinner roll should be—pillowy soft, slightly sweet, and golden brown on top. They’re made with simple pantry ingredients and no eggs or dairy, making them a great option for plant-based eaters. You can make the dough by hand or with a mixer, and they come together with minimal effort. They’re also freezer-friendly, easy to reheat, and endlessly versatile.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons instant dry yeast

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon vegan butter, divided

• 1 ½ cups unsweetened plain soy milk

• 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter (for brushing)

Directions

Using a Stand Mixer:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat ¼ cup vegan butter and soy milk for about 1 minute. Stir until melted and lukewarm (105–110°F).

3. Pour the warm mixture into the flour mixture. Mix on low speed for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides.

4. Add the remaining 1 ½ cups flour. Knead on low speed for 2 minutes, then increase to medium speed and knead for 1 more minute, until a smooth dough forms.

5. If dry flour remains, knead by hand until a smooth ball forms. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 30 minutes.

6. Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish. Divide the dough into 15 equal pieces and place in the pan. Cover and let rise another 30 minutes.

7. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden.

8. Remove from oven and immediately brush with remaining tablespoon of melted vegan butter. Serve warm.

By Hand:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

2. Heat ¼ cup vegan butter and soy milk in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute. Stir until melted and lukewarm (105–110°F).

3. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.

4. Gradually knead in the remaining flour by hand for 5 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic.

5. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.

6. Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish. Shape dough into 15 equal balls and arrange in the pan. Cover and rise another 30 minutes.

7. Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, or until golden.

8. Brush with melted vegan butter and serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 15 rolls

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Rise Time: 1 hour

• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Garlic Herb Rolls: Add minced garlic and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dough or melted butter topping.

• Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

• Cheesy Rolls: Add a handful of vegan shredded cheese into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.

• Sweet Rolls: Increase sugar slightly and add a touch of cinnamon for a slightly sweet roll perfect for breakfast.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze baked rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

• To Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15–30 seconds or bake at 300°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

What makes these vegan rolls fluffy?

The fluffiness comes from proper kneading, warm proofing, and enough time for the dough to rise. Instant yeast and the right dough texture are also key.

Can I use another type of plant milk?

Yes. While soy milk works best for structure and fat content, almond, oat, or cashew milk can be used. Make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored.

What if I only have active dry yeast?

You can use active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm soy milk with a little sugar and letting it sit for 10 minutes until foamy before adding to the flour.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for yeast baking, but texture and rise may vary.

How do I know when the dough has been kneaded enough?

The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If it slowly springs back when poked, it’s ready.

What if my rolls don’t rise?

Check that your yeast is fresh and your liquid wasn’t too hot. Also, make sure you’re proofing in a warm, draft-free area.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes. After shaping the rolls, you can refrigerate overnight and let them come to room temperature before baking the next day.

How do I make the tops extra golden?

Brush with melted vegan butter before baking, and again right after baking for a shiny, golden finish.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use two baking pans or a large sheet tray and adjust baking time if needed.

Can I add fillings like jam or chocolate?

Yes. Flatten each dough ball, add a teaspoon of filling, and pinch to seal before shaping into rolls.

Conclusion

These fluffy vegan dinner rolls are a must-try addition to any meal. Simple to prepare and made with accessible ingredients, they deliver on texture, flavor, and versatility. Whether served fresh out of the oven with a pat of vegan butter or saved for later, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.