Breakfast Rolls are a delicious and comforting way to start your day! Soft, fluffy rolls filled with sweet or savory ingredients like cinnamon, fruit, or cheese, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a fun weekend treat. The dough is light and buttery, and the filling options are endless. Whether you prefer a classic cinnamon roll, a savory cheese roll, or something fruit-filled, these breakfast rolls are sure to satisfy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Breakfast Rolls are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just a special treat for yourself. The dough is easy to work with, soft and fluffy, and makes for an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The fillings, whether sweet or savory, add that extra bit of indulgence. Plus, they are great for meal prepping ahead of time and can be made fresh with just a few minutes of baking.

Breakfast Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

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

For the dough:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the filling (Sweet or Savory):

Sweet Option:
1. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
3. 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
4. 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Savory Option:
1. 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
2. 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)
3. 1/4 cup cooked beef or sausage (optional)

For the glaze (optional):

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

Prepare the dough:

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the flour. Stir until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead the dough by hand.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the filling:

Sweet filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. If using, chop the walnuts or pecans and mix them into the filling mixture.
Savory filling: For a savory version, combine the shredded cheese and herbs in a bowl. You can also add cooked beef or sausage for a protein-packed filling.

Assemble the rolls:

Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 12×9 inches.
Add the filling: Spread your chosen filling (sweet or savory) evenly over the surface of the dough. For sweet rolls, spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture. For savory rolls, sprinkle the cheese and herbs mixture over the dough.
Roll up the dough: Starting at the long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a log, tightly sealing the edge. Slice the log into 9-12 rolls, depending on how large or small you want them to be.
Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they are puffy.

Bake the rolls:

Preheat the oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Once the rolls have risen, place them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Make the glaze (optional):

Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using). Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls once they are out of the oven.

Serve and enjoy:

Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them fresh from the oven as a delightful breakfast or snack!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 9-12 rolls, depending on how large you slice them.
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

Cinnamon Raisin Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the sweet filling mixture for a classic cinnamon raisin flavor.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped apples to the sweet filling, or layer thin apple slices on the dough before rolling it up.
Veggie Rolls: Use a savory filling with spinach, mushrooms, and cheese for a vegetarian version.
Maple Glaze: For a more indulgent touch, substitute the powdered sugar glaze with a maple syrup glaze for a sweet, sticky topping.
Stuffed Breakfast Rolls: For a heartier breakfast roll, add scrambled eggs and cooked breakfast sausage or beef inside the roll before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. Once shaped, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise, then bake as directed.
Reheating: Reheat the rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake the rolls in the morning. This makes for an easy, fresh breakfast.

2. Can I make these rolls with a bread machine?

Yes, you can make the dough in a bread machine. Simply add all the ingredients for the dough to the machine and set it to the dough cycle. Once the dough is done, proceed with the rest of the recipe, including shaping, rising, and baking.

3. Can I use a different type of bread dough?

Yes, if you don’t want to make a homemade dough, you can use store-bought dough, like pizza dough or biscuit dough, as a shortcut for making breakfast rolls.

4. How do I keep my rolls from getting too dry?

Make sure to keep the rolls covered while they rise and bake. If you find the rolls drying out, cover them with a damp cloth for the last few minutes of baking, or brush them with butter after baking to add moisture.

5. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free breakfast rolls by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Be aware that the texture may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

6. Can I use dairy-free alternatives?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk to make the rolls dairy-free.

Conclusion

Breakfast Rolls are a fun, versatile, and delicious way to start your day. Whether you prefer sweet cinnamon rolls or savory cheese-filled ones, these rolls will add a delightful touch to any breakfast or brunch. With a soft, fluffy dough and endless filling options, you can customize these rolls to suit your taste. They’re easy to make and can be enjoyed fresh or saved for later—perfect for any occasion!

Breakfast Rolls Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients