Golden Pull-Apart Butter Buns are the ultimate comfort food, soft, buttery, and perfect for breakfast, dinner rolls, or snacking. These fluffy buns are easy to make at home, with a golden, slightly sweet crust and a tender, pull-apart interior that everyone will love. Serve them warm with butter, honey, or your favorite spread for a truly irresistible treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy, and buttery with a golden crust.
- Perfect for breakfast, dinner rolls, or snacking.
- Easy to make at home without special equipment.
- Pull-apart design makes serving fun and convenient.
- Great for holidays, brunches, or casual family meals.
Ingredients

- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the buns: Punch down the dough, divide into 12–16 equal pieces, and shape into small balls. Arrange in a greased baking pan close together for a pull-apart effect.
- Second rise: Cover and let the buns rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush tops with melted butter and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let buns cool slightly before serving warm. Brush with additional butter if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Add cinnamon and sugar between layers for sweet cinnamon pull-aparts.
- Mix in shredded cheese for savory buns.
- Brush with honey butter after baking for extra sweetness.
- Use half whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier texture.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooled buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.
- Perfect alongside soups, stews, or roasted meats.
- Great for sandwiches or sliders.
- Ideal for breakfast with scrambled eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I make smaller or larger buns?
Yes, adjust the size and baking time accordingly, smaller buns bake faster, larger buns need extra minutes.
Can I substitute milk with non-dairy alternatives?
Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk can be used. Make sure they’re warm to activate the yeast.
How do I keep the buns soft for longer?
Store in an airtight container or wrap in foil. Reheat briefly to restore softness.
Ready to Make It?
Golden Pull-Apart Butter Buns are perfect for family breakfasts, dinner rolls, or special occasions. Make them today for soft, fluffy, and buttery bites everyone will enjoy!
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Golden Pull-Apart Butter Buns
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden Pull-Apart Butter Buns are soft, fluffy, and buttery. Perfect for breakfast, dinner rolls, or snacking.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for brushing
Instructions
1. Activate yeast in warm milk with sugar and let foam 5–10 minutes.
2. Combine flour and salt; add yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla; mix into dough.
3. Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
5. Punch down dough, shape into 12–16 balls, and arrange in greased pan.
6. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F and brush tops with butter; bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
8. Cool slightly before serving; brush with extra butter if desired.
Notes
Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze individually for up to 2 months.
Add cinnamon sugar for sweet variation or cheese for savory.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg