If you’ve ever wished for soft, fluffy, and irresistibly warm rolls fresh from your oven, then this Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These dinner rolls are delightfully tender with just the right hint of buttery sweetness, perfect for accompanying any meal or simply enjoying on their own. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or craving a comforting treat, this recipe breaks down the process into simple steps to help you create bakery-quality rolls right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how such simple ingredients come together to create something as delightful as these dinner rolls. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the yeast waking up to give the dough its airy texture or the melted butter adding richness and tenderness to every bite.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation that gives structure and body to the dough; keep a little extra handy for kneading without sticking.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: The magical ingredient that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C): Warm to activate the yeast and provide moisture, making the rolls tender.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a good rise.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Contributes rich flavor and keeps the rolls wonderfully soft.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
How to Make Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix in Butter, Egg, and Salt
Once the yeast mixture is foamy, stir in the melted butter, egg, and salt. These ingredients add depth to the flavor and a luscious texture to the dough.
Step 3: Add the Flour Gradually
Begin mixing in the flour little by little, about one cup at a time, until the dough forms and starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl. This gradual approach helps create the perfect dough consistency.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes. This step is key to developing gluten, which gives your rolls their elasticity and soft chew.
Step 5: First Rise
Place your smooth dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. Patience here rewards you with tender rolls.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Gently punch down the dough to release air, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball for even baking and perfect presentation.
Step 7: Second Rise
Arrange the dough balls on a greased baking sheet or in a 9×13-inch dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes until puffy and ready for the oven.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake.
Step 9: Add a Buttery Finish
Once baked, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. This final touch not only adds a beautiful sheen but also gives the rolls that irresistible buttery flavor with every bite.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
These warm rolls shine with a simple brush of butter, but you can also sprinkle flaky sea salt, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a sprinkle of garlic powder before baking for an extra aromatic twist.
Side Dishes
Pair your dinner rolls with hearty soups, stews, or classic comfort foods like roast chicken or beef. They’re perfect for sopping up gravies and sauces, making every meal feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your rolls in a woven basket lined with a cozy napkin, or stack them high on a rustic wooden board for a welcoming, homey touch. You could even slice them and turn them into mini sandwich sliders for a fun party idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready for snacking or meals.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe fresh longer, freeze the fully cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15 seconds. Adding a little butter after reheating revives that fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the rolls might be a bit denser. Consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flours for a lighter texture.
Do I need a stand mixer to make these rolls?
Not at all! While a stand mixer can make kneading easier, you can hand-knead the dough on a floured surface, which also feels quite therapeutic.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
The most common reason is that the yeast was inactive or the liquid was too hot or cold. Make sure to use warm milk (around 110°F/45°C) and fresh yeast for the best rise.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Definitely! Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or grated cheese before shaping the rolls can introduce exciting flavors that complement the softness brilliantly.
How long will these rolls stay fresh after baking?
For the softest experience, enjoy them the same day. If stored properly, they remain tasty for 1-2 days at room temperature and freeze beautifully for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling a batch of warm, fluffy rolls out of the oven, and this Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe makes that magic accessible to everyone. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these rolls are a comforting, delicious way to enhance any meal. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself and share that cozy, homemade goodness with your loved ones.
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Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 dinner rolls 1x
Description
These Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Made from simple ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, and butter, they require minimal effort and yield a batch of 12 delicious rolls with a golden-brown crust and tender interior.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in melted unsalted butter, the large egg, and salt into the foamy yeast mixture until well combined.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, adding about 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms that is manageable and not too sticky.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a tender roll.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, divide it into 12 equal portions, and shape each portion into a ball.
- Second rise: Arrange the dough balls on a greased baking sheet or a 9×13-inch dish, cover them again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Finish: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter for a shiny, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- The rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Brushing with butter after baking keeps the rolls soft and adds a rich flavor.
- For a sweeter roll, increase sugar to 1/3 cup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
