These buttery, garlicky herb fan rolls are super soft, flaky and absolutely delicious!

These buttery, garlicky herb fan rolls are a dream come true for anyone who loves soft, flaky bread with a flavorful twist. The secret is the perfectly These buttery, garlicky herb fan rolls are super soft, flaky and absolutely delicious! butter infused with roasted garlic and fresh chives, which seeps into every tender layer, giving each bite a rich, irresistible taste. Whether you’re baking these for a special occasion or simply to brighten up your day, you’re going to fall head over heels for the way the melted butter enhances both the aroma and softness of these delightful rolls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in creating the soft, flaky texture and that burst of flavor that makes these fan rolls so special. The combination is simple, yet utterly essential for the perfect balance of taste and structure.

• Whole milk (¾ cup): Warmed just right to activate the yeast and add tenderness to the dough.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Provides just the right hint of sweetness that balances the savory garlic butter.
• Instant yeast (1 envelope): Quick and reliable for a perfect rise every time.
• Whole egg + 1 egg yolk: Adds richness and improves the dough’s elasticity.
• Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons melted and slightly cooled): The key ingredient that makes the dough soft and contributes to its flaky layers.
• All-purpose flour (3 ½ cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure while keeping it tender.
• Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
• Garlic (1 head): Roasted to mellow and sweeten, it’s the heart of the garlic herb butter.
• Finely chopped chives (2 tablespoons): Adds a fresh herbal note that complements the garlic.
• Unsalted butter for garlic herb butter (4 tablespoons melted): This extra portion of melted butter is essential for that luscious coating that seeps into every fold of the rolls.

How to Make These buttery, garlicky herb fan rolls are super soft, flaky and absolutely delicious!

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your milk with sugar to 110-115°F — just warm enough to wake up the yeast without killing it. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the surface and wait about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This foamy, lively mixture means your yeast is ready to work its magic on the dough, ensuring a lovely rise and light texture.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

Whisk the whole egg, egg yolk, and the first batch of melted butter briefly in your mixer’s bowl. Then add in your activated milk and yeast mixture, salt, and flour. Using a spatula, combine everything until you create a shaggy dough. Next, mix on medium-high speed with your dough hook for around five minutes. When the dough bounces back gently to your touch, you know it’s reached the perfect consistency.

Step 3: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl, covered with a cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot for about 90 minutes until it doubles in size. This rise is crucial for that soft, pillowy texture to develop.

Step 4: Preparing the Garlic Herb Butter

Roast your whole head of garlic wrapped in foil for one hour until the cloves become luxuriously soft and golden. Once cooled, squeeze the garlic cloves out and mash them in a bowl. Combine the roasted garlic with the chopped chives and 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter—this fragrant, rich mixture will be your flavor powerhouse for layering and glazing the rolls.

Step 5: Rolling and Layering

After the dough has risen, gently deflate it and divide it into two equal portions. Roll one half into a flat rectangle, trimming edges so it measures roughly 15 by 12 inches. Cut the rectangle into six long strips and brush five of those strips generously with your garlic herb butter—the melted butter helps those layers stick and flavor every bite. Stack the strips with the plain strip on top, then cut into 2-inch rectangles. Repeat this with the second half of dough.

Step 6: Final Rise and Bake

Place each roll into a greased muffin tin, cut side up, cover, and let them rise again for 60 to 90 minutes. As they puff up, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 16 to 18 minutes until golden and irresistible. Once baked, brush each warm roll with more of the garlic chive melted butter for that beautiful sheen and burst of fresh flavor.

How to Serve These buttery, garlicky herb fan rolls are super soft, flaky and absolutely delicious!

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chives or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt adds a visual pop and extra texture after baking. You can also drizzle a little more melted herb butter just before serving for that extra wow factor that keeps people coming back.

Side Dishes

These fan rolls are a natural companion to warm soups, fresh salads, or hearty breakfasts. Their buttery, garlicky richness pairs beautifully with creamy tomato soup or alongside eggs scrambled with herbs for a luxurious brunch platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls in decorative muffin liners or place them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of herb-infused butter for guests to spread. You can also pull them apart as a fun, interactive centerpiece that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness, reheat briefly in the microwave or oven before enjoying.

Freezing

These fan rolls freeze beautifully. After the first rise and shaping, but before the second rise, freeze them in the muffin tin wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let rise and bake as directed.

Reheating

To refresh your rolls, warm them in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Brush with melted garlic butter again after reheating to renew that delightful flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted?

Yes! You can use regular butter, but be mindful of the salt content. Since the recipe already includes kosher salt, you might want to adjust added salt accordingly to avoid oversalting.

How important is the roasted garlic in the butter?

Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow depth that raw garlic cannot match. It’s worth the extra step for that rich, melted butter flavor that defines these rolls.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s a great workout and connects you to the baking process!

Can I make these rolls vegan?

With some modifications—using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg substitutes—you can adapt this recipe. However, results may vary since eggs and butter contribute to the texture and flavor so much.

Why is the butter These buttery, garlicky herb fan rolls are super soft, flaky and absolutely delicious and cooled before adding to the dough?

Melting and cooling the butter ensures it blends evenly without cooking the eggs or overheating the yeast mixture. This keeps your dough nice and light, while the melted butter contributes moisture and richness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something both comforting and a little special, these garlic herb fan rolls are just the ticket. The way the These buttery, garlicky herb fan rolls are super soft, flaky and absolutely delicious!  butter infuses every flaky layer with flavor is pure magic. I can’t recommend baking them enough—your kitchen will fill with irresistible aroma, and your friends and family will be begging for seconds. Go ahead, give these a try and watch them disappear!

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