Few things beat the smell of freshly baked dinner rolls wafting through the kitchen—soft, golden, and so fluffy they almost melt in your mouth. Whether for a cozy weeknight meal or a festive holiday dinner, homemade rolls are surprisingly simple to make (and miles better than store-bought). The secret? Gentle kneading, just the right rise, and a touch of butter love.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Dinner rolls are made from basic pantry staples—but when balanced just right, they turn out rich, pillowy, and irresistible.
You’ll Need:
- Warm milk (1 cup / 240 ml) – about 105–110°F (40–43°C)
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp / 1 packet)
- Sugar (3 tbsp) – helps activate yeast and adds a hint of sweetness
- Butter (4 tbsp, melted) – for flavor and tenderness
- Egg (1 large) – adds structure and richness
- Salt (1 tsp)
- All-purpose flour (3 to 3 ½ cups / 375–440 g)
Optional: a little extra melted butter for brushing after baking.
2. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
If the mixture doesn’t bubble up, your yeast may be inactive—start fresh. This step ensures your rolls rise beautifully.
Pro Tip: Warm milk (not hot) is key; too much heat can kill the yeast.
3. Make and Knead the Dough
In a large mixing bowl:
- Combine the yeast mixture with the melted butter, egg, and salt.
- Add flour gradually—start with 3 cups and mix until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky (not sticky).
If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for about 6 minutes on medium speed.
4. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
When it’s ready, press two fingers gently into the dough—if the indentation remains, it’s perfect for shaping.
5. Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide into 12 equal pieces (or 15 smaller ones for mini rolls).
Roll each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges under and pinching the seam on the bottom. Arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan or round dish.
Cover again and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled.
6. Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops with a little melted butter or egg wash (for shine), and bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown on top.
Once out of the oven, brush immediately with more melted butter for that irresistible glossy, soft finish.
7. Serve Warm & Enjoy
Serve your soft, fluffy rolls warm from the oven—perfect alongside soups, stews, or your favorite holiday spread.
Bonus Ideas:
- Sweet twist: Add a bit of honey to the dough for honey butter rolls.
- Savory twist: Mix in minced garlic and herbs before shaping.
- Make-ahead: You can refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight, then bake them fresh the next day.
Final Takeaway
Soft, buttery dinner rolls are the ultimate comfort food—and making them from scratch is easier than you think. With a little patience and the right technique, you’ll have golden rolls that practically melt in your mouth.
So preheat your oven, let the dough rise, and enjoy the heavenly scent of homemade bread filling your kitchen.
Save this recipe for later—your future self (and your dinner guests) will thank you. 🥖✨
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