Combine ¾ cup of the flour, sugar, dry yeast, and salt in a large bowl, stir until blended. Set aside.
Combine the soymilk, water, and vegan butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15 second increments. If you have a food thermometer, the temperature should be at 120 degrees F to 130 degrees F. If you don’t have one, it should be very warm but not hot to the touch. Any hotter will kill the yeast. Add it to the flour mixture.
Beat for 2 minutes using medium speed of an electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add ¼ cup flour; beat for 2 minutes at high speed. Stir in just enough of the remaining flour (1 to 1-1/4 cups) so that the dough will form into a ball.
Knead on a lightly floured surface until elastic and springs back when lightly pressed with 2 fingers, about 6 to 8 minutes. Cover with a towel; let rest for 10 minutes.
Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces; shape into balls using your hands. Place in greased 8-inch pan. Cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Bake in preheated 375 degrees F oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan by running a knife around the edges and invert onto a wire rack; brush with additional melted vegan butter.
Notes
It’s important to check the expiration date on your yeast. It won’t rise if it’s expired.
Use warm liquid: It must be warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. 100-115F/37.7-46C (unless the packaging states otherwise) is the sweet spot. It should feel warm but not hot to the touch. Using a thermometer is recommended.
Don’t add too much flour: First, measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling the top. Then, the actual amount needed can vary based on various factors. So add it incrementally.
For even rolls: Use digital kitchen scales to divide dough by weight.