Can I make these rolls without buttermilk?

Yes! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. The acid helps tenderize the dough, similar to real buttermilk.

Why did my sauce separate during baking?

This typically happens if the sauce was overheated before pouring over the rolls. Make sure to remove it from heat once it just begins to bubble, and stir gently rather than vigorously. Even if it looks slightly separated, the flavor will still be wonderful!

Can I reduce the sweetness of this recipe?

Certainly! You can reduce the powdered sugar in the sauce by up to half for a less sweet version. The sweetened condensed milk provides plenty of sweetness on its own.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The tops should be golden brown, and if you gently press the center of a roll, it should spring back slightly. If you're uncertain, use a knife to peek into the center of a roll - it should look baked through, not doughy.

Southern Butter Rolls Recipe

Name: Southern Butter Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter; 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup chilled buttermilk; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 2/3 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This decadent Southern Butter Rolls recipe transforms simple ingredients into a heavenly treat that sits somewhere between cinnamon roll and bread pudding. Tender, buttery rolls swim in a sweet, creamy sauce that creates the perfect balance of textures – crisp on top and deliciously saucy underneath. It’s an irresistible Southern classic that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Simplicity: Despite looking impressive, these rolls come together with pantry staples and straightforward techniques.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready, making them perfect for holiday mornings or special brunches.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of buttery, cinnamon-laced dough swimming in sweet custard sauce appeals to everyone from kids to grandparents.
Versatile Serving: Works beautifully as a decadent breakfast, brunch centerpiece, or dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: The star ingredient that creates rich flavor and flaky texture in the dough. One stick gets incorporated into the dough, while another gets spread over the rolled-out dough for maximum buttery goodness.
All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of our rolls. No need for fancy flours here – the regular stuff works perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and creates that essential cinnamon-sugar filling.
Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening agents that help the rolls rise and get fluffy.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Buttermilk: Creates tenderness in the dough and reacts with the leavening agents. The tanginess also balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon: Provides that warm, spicy note that makes these rolls irresistible.
Sweetened condensed milk: Forms the base of our luscious sauce, adding richness and concentrated sweetness.
Whole milk: Dilutes the condensed milk to create the perfect sauce consistency.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily into the sauce for smooth sweetness.
Vanilla: Adds depth and aroma to the sauce that makes it absolutely divine

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize these Southern Butter Rolls? Here are some delicious twists:

Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling.
Citrus Infusion: Add orange or lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy dimension.
Spice it Up: Enhance the filling with nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for more complex flavor.
Bourbon Sauce: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the sauce for an adult version with caramel-like notes.
Berry Addition: Sprinkle dried cranberries or raisins over the cinnamon-sugar layer for fruity bursts of flavor.

How to Make Southern Butter Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Butter and Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Set one stick of butter out to soften at room temperature while you cube the second stick and pop it in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This dual preparation ensures you’ll have the right butter consistency for each part of the recipe.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Add the chilled butter cubes and toss them to coat with flour. Using your fingertips, pinch and rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir just until no dry flour remains.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Dust the top with a little more flour and roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the softened stick of butter evenly across the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the remaining sugar and cinnamon over the butter layer.

Step 4: Form the Rolls

Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log, jelly-roll style. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 even pieces. Arrange these slices in a 9×13-inch baking dish, cut side up. Place the dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the sauce.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, powdered sugar, butter, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring gently but constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the warm sauce over the chilled rolls. Don’t worry if they float – that’s expected! Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the rolls are beautifully puffed and golden brown on top. Let them rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cold Ingredients Matter: Keep your buttermilk cold and butter properly chilled for the dough – this creates flaky layers.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently and mix just until combined for the most tender results.
Even Cutting: Use dental floss instead of a knife for perfectly clean cuts without squashing your rolls.
Perfect Spacing: Leave a little room between rolls in the baking dish – they’ll expand as they bake.
Watch the Color: If the tops are browning too quickly but the rolls aren’t done, cover loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.

How to Serve

These Southern Butter Rolls shine in so many settings:

Breakfast or Brunch

Serve warm with fresh berries and a cup of strong coffee for an indulgent start to the day.

Dessert

Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience.

Holiday Morning

These rolls make Christmas or Thanksgiving morning extra special – prepare them the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Potluck Star

Bring to potlucks in the baking dish (they transport well) for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that sets your contribution apart.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, creating an almost pudding-like consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked rolls without the sauce for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then make the sauce fresh and proceed with baking as directed.

Reheating

The best way to reheat these rolls is in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds, though the texture won’t be quite as nice.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls without buttermilk?

Yes! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. The acid helps tenderize the dough, similar to real buttermilk.
Why did my sauce separate during baking?

This typically happens if the sauce was overheated before pouring over the rolls. Make sure to remove it from heat once it just begins to bubble, and stir gently rather than vigorously. Even if it looks slightly separated, the flavor will still be wonderful!
Can I reduce the sweetness of this recipe?

Certainly! You can reduce the powdered sugar in the sauce by up to half for a less sweet version. The sweetened condensed milk provides plenty of sweetness on its own.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The tops should be golden brown, and if you gently press the center of a roll, it should spring back slightly. If you’re uncertain, use a knife to peek into the center of a roll – it should look baked through, not doughy.

Final Thoughts

These Southern Butter Rolls are more than just a recipe – they’re a tradition worth starting in your home. There’s something magical about the transformation that happens in the oven as the buttery dough rises and the sweet sauce bubbles around it. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next brunch or simply want to create a cozy weekend treat, these rolls deliver comfort in every bite. Go ahead and discover why this Southern classic has stood the test of time!