These Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls are pillowy, tender, and beautifully golden, finished with a light coating of sesame seeds for added aroma and texture. They are perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or everyday enjoyment, offering a warm, buttery flavour in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rolls are simple to prepare, rise beautifully, and maintain a soft texture long after baking. Their versatile flavour complements any meal, and the dough is easy to shape, making this a reliable recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers. The sesame topping adds a subtle nutty finish that enhances their overall appeal.
Ingredients
Flour
Warm milk
Sugar
Butter (softened)
Salt
Yeast (active dry or instant)
Egg (for brushing)
Sesame seeds
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Activate the yeast in warm milk with a small amount of sugar if using active dry yeast. If using instant yeast, this step may be skipped.
- Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add softened butter and the yeast mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into evenly sized pieces.
- Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them in a baking dish or on a tray.
- Allow the rolls to rise again until puffy.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake until golden brown and fragrant.
Servings and Timing
Serves: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Use poppy seeds instead of sesame seeds.
- Add garlic butter on top for extra flavour.
- Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Shape the dough into knots or braids for special occasions.
Storage/Reheating
Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven at low temperature or microwave lightly before serving.
FAQs
Why are my rolls not rising?
The yeast may be expired, or the milk may have been too hot or too cold.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients.
How do I make the rolls extra soft?
Do not overbake and brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, refrigerate the dough after the first rise and use within 12–18 hours.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze after shaping; thaw and let rise before baking.
What can I use instead of milk?
Warm water or plant-based milk works as a substitute.
Why are my rolls dense?
Under-kneading or insufficient rise time may cause dense rolls.
Can I add herbs to the dough?
Yes, rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning complement the flavour well.
Why do the rolls brown too quickly?
Your oven may run hot; reduce the temperature slightly.
Can I make smaller cocktail rolls?
Yes, divide the dough into smaller pieces and reduce bake time by a few minutes.
Conclusion
Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls with Sesame Topping bring warmth and comfort to any meal. Their fluffy texture, rich aroma, and beautiful golden finish make them a timeless addition to family dinners and holiday feasts. Simple yet impressive, these rolls are sure to become a household favourite.
Print
Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls with Sesame Topping
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy homemade dinner rolls brushed with butter and topped with toasted sesame seeds—perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (for topping)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
- Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour if needed.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12–15 equal pieces. Shape into smooth balls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush again with melted butter for extra softness, if desired.
Notes
- For extra softness, replace half the milk with warm water.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for a slower rise.
- Use toasted sesame seeds for stronger flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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