Homemade Dinner Rolls
Discover how to make fluffy, soft Homemade Dinner Rolls with simple pantry ingredients. These rolls feature a perfectly golden crust and tender crumb, ideal for any meal or special occasion. Follow an easy, reliable method for bakery-quality results from your own kitchen.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 to 2.5 hours (including rises)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
Optional Variations
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) – for herbed rolls
- Melted garlic butter – for garlic butter glaze
- Whole wheat flour – to substitute half or full amount of all-purpose flour
- Plant-based butter and flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed) – for vegan adaptation
- Cinnamon and extra sugar – for sweet rolls
- Activate the Yeast: Combine warm milk and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir the ingredients until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky, but not sticky. This develops the gluten structure for fluffy rolls.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Gently punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into smooth balls and arrange them spaced evenly in a greased baking dish or tray.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped.
- Butter Glaze: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush melted butter on top for a soft, shiny finish and added flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, active yeast and always check the expiration date for best rise.
- Add flour gradually during mixing to avoid a dense dough; the dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
- Keep milk and butter warm, but not too hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead just enough to develop gluten but avoid overworking the dough to maintain tenderness.
- Allow the second rise to complete fully for extra fluffy rolls.
- Brushing with butter after baking enhances flavor and keeps the crust soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Homemade dinner rolls, soft dinner rolls, fluffy rolls, yeast rolls, easy dinner rolls, bakery-style rolls