Soft and fluffy dinner rolls are a staple for any meal, offering a perfect balance of light texture and rich, buttery flavor. These homemade rolls are simple to make and far superior to store-bought options. Whether served with soups, stews, or holiday feasts, they bring warmth and comfort to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and airy texture – These rolls are incredibly soft, making them perfect for any meal.
• Easy to make – With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can achieve bakery-quality results.
• Versatile – Serve them with butter, jam, or alongside savory dishes.
• Perfect for any occasion – Ideal for family dinners, holidays, and special gatherings.
• Freezer-friendly – These rolls can be stored and reheated for later use.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Warm milk
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Egg

Directions

1. Prepare the yeast mixture – In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm milk and sprinkle yeast over it. Let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
2. Mix the dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough – Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the rolls – Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
6. Second rise – Cover and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls with melted butter and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Cool and serve – Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Baking time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 2 hours

Variations

• Garlic butter rolls – Brush with garlic butter before baking for a flavorful twist.
• Honey butter rolls – Mix honey into the melted butter for a touch of sweetness.
• Whole wheat rolls – Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Cheesy rolls – Add shredded cheese to the dough for a cheesy, savory version.
• Herbed rolls – Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until heated through.

FAQs

How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. A good test is to stretch a small piece between your fingers—if it forms a thin “windowpane” without tearing, it’s ready.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used without proofing. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe.

What is the best way to get evenly sized rolls?

Use a kitchen scale to weigh each dough portion before shaping to ensure uniform size.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

Dense rolls can result from not kneading the dough enough, using too much flour, or not allowing enough time for rising.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, butter with vegan butter, and the egg with a flax egg.

How do I prevent my rolls from drying out?

Cover them with a damp towel while cooling and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Can I add fillings to these rolls?

Yes, you can add cheese, garlic butter, or even cinnamon sugar inside the dough before rolling.

What type of flour works best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour can be used for a slightly chewier texture.

Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, use the dough cycle on your bread machine, then proceed with shaping and baking as instructed.

Conclusion

These soft and fluffy dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, offering a homemade touch that is both delicious and comforting. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy fresh, warm rolls straight from the oven. Whether served plain, with butter, or customized with different flavors, they are sure to be a family favorite

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5 hours
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x

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Description

These homemade dinner rolls are soft, buttery, and fluffy with a golden-brown crust. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to weeknight meals!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

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Instructions

• In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour to form a dough.
• Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
• Punch down dough and divide into 12 pieces. Shape into rolls and place on a baking sheet.
• Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

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Notes

• Use bread flour for an even softer texture.
• Add garlic butter for extra flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.