Print

Homemade Dinner Rolls

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Keywords: Homemade dinner rolls, soft dinner rolls, fluffy rolls, yeast rolls, easy dinner rolls, bakery-style rolls