Homemade Dinner Rolls

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Golden on the outside, cloud-like and pillowy on the inside — homemade dinner rolls are the kind of comforting staple that elevates any meal from ordinary to unforgettable. These rolls are soft, buttery, and just slightly sweet, making them the perfect companion to everything from hearty soups and roasted meats to fresh salads and seasonal veggies.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, a casual weeknight dinner, or a brunch spread with family, these dinner rolls bring that warm, bakery-fresh aroma straight to your table. With a simple ingredient list and straightforward steps, this recipe turns humble pantry items into a delicious centerpiece. You’ll never look at store-bought rolls the same way again.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

• Incredibly soft and fluffy texture with a golden, buttery crust
• Made from basic ingredients with rich, bakery-style results
• Versatile enough to serve with breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Easy to make in advance and reheat without losing freshness
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or holiday gatherings

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create perfect homemade dinner rolls, a few essential kitchen tools make all the difference:

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Speeds up kneading and ensures a smooth, elastic dough.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for proofing the dough and mixing ingredients.
• Kitchen Scale: Helps divide the dough evenly for uniform rolls.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: Ensures even baking and allows the rolls to rise close together for that pull-apart effect.
• Pastry Brush: Ideal for brushing melted butter over the rolls for a glossy, golden finish.
• Plastic Wrap or Kitchen Towel: Keeps the dough moist during proofing.

Each tool supports key parts of the process—kneading, shaping, and baking—ensuring you get bakery-worthy rolls every time.

Preparation Tips

Use warm milk (not hot) to activate the yeast—this speeds up the rising process without killing the yeast. Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot to ensure it doubles properly. If your kitchen is cool, place the covered bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off). When dividing the dough, use a scale to make each roll the same size for even baking. Don’t skip the second rise once the rolls are shaped—it’s crucial for that soft, fluffy interior. Finally, brush the tops with melted butter just before and after baking for a rich color and flavor.

Ingredients for this Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing on top)

Optional:

• Extra butter for serving
• Sea salt flakes for garnish

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired, and you’ll need to start with a fresh batch.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix using a dough hook on medium speed for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and place in a warm area. Let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 12-15 equal pieces (use a kitchen scale for even portions). Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the seams underneath. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving just a little space between each roll.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the baking dish loosely and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are touching each other.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown on top and fully cooked through. If they’re browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 5 minutes.

Step 7: Brush with Butter

Once out of the oven, immediately brush the tops with melted butter. Let the rolls cool slightly in the pan before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Enjoy these fresh, soft, homemade dinner rolls with butter, jam, or alongside any main dish!

Notes

These dinner rolls are best when served warm right out of the oven, but they remain soft and flavorful even after a day or two. Using whole milk and real butter makes a noticeable difference in richness and texture. If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight—just let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overheating the milk: Too hot, and it’ll kill the yeast. Aim for about 110°F.
• Skipping the second rise: It’s essential for achieving that airy, fluffy interior.
• Adding too much flour: This can lead to dense, dry rolls. The dough should be soft and just a bit tacky.
• Underbaking: Rolls that aren’t fully cooked can be doughy in the center. Look for a deep golden top and tap to check for a hollow sound.

Storage Instructions

Let the rolls cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container or zip-top bag and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or microwave a few at a time for 20 seconds.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per roll, assuming 15 servings):

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dough, cover it, and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temp before shaping.

How do I make these rolls dairy-free?

Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter. Texture may vary slightly, but results are still great.

Can I freeze the rolls before baking?

Yes. Shape the rolls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, store in a zip-top bag. Thaw and let rise before baking.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

They should be deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on top. You can also use a thermometer—195°F inside.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use two baking dishes. Just ensure even spacing so they rise and bake properly.

Why are my rolls dense?

This could be due to over-flouring, under-kneading, or not allowing enough time to rise.

What can I serve these rolls with?

Perfect with soups, stews, roasted meats, holiday meals, or even just butter and jam.

Conclusion

Homemade dinner rolls offer unbeatable freshness and that signature bakery-style softness, all from your own kitchen. With just a few ingredients and some care in the rising and baking stages, you can serve warm, buttery rolls that steal the spotlight at any meal. Ideal for holidays or everyday dinners, they’re the kind of comfort food everyone loves and remembers.

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