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Dinner Rolls Recipe
My Dinner Rolls Recipe will have you pulling soft, pillowy bread straight from the oven, ready to slather with butter—easy, forgiving, and perfect for any family gathering.
A warm loaf of homemade dinner rolls is the ultimate comfort. These fluffy bites boast a tender crumb, golden crust, and just the right hint of sweetness. As a 50-year-old home cook, I’ve tested this recipe through countless holiday dinners, Sunday suppers, and casual weeknight feasts. What makes it special? We’re using active dry yeast for reliable rise, whole milk for richness, and a touch of butter in both dough and brush-on glaze. Plus, you’ll get data-driven tips—like how precise temperature control boosts yeast performance—and simple swaps for dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Soft, cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth
- Uses pantry staples you probably already have
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner
- Make-ahead friendly—freeze before or after baking
- Kid-approved dough-play for little helpers
- Adaptable: whole wheat, dairy-free, or garlic-herb versions
- Quick rise technique gets rolls on the table in about 90 minutes
- Each roll averages 180 calories (7g fat, 24g carbs, 4g protein)
Dinner Rolls Recipe Ingredients
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (or 2% milk)—boosts tenderness
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast—test bloom in warm water first
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (or honey)—feeds the yeast, adds a touch of sweetness
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt—balances flavor
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)—choose real butter for best taste
• 1 large egg, room temperature—for a richer crumb
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (approx. 450 g)—sub with 1 cup whole wheat + 2 ½ cups AP flour for nuttier flavor
• Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dairy-free swap)
Directions for Soft, Fluffy Dinner Rolls
- Bloom the yeast: In a small bowl, stir 1 tablespoon of sugar into the warm milk, sprinkle yeast on top, and let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy—this shows active yeast.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk melted butter, egg, and remaining sugar in a large bowl.
- Combine and knead: Add foamy yeast and salt to the wet mix, then gradually stir in flour. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until dough is silky and springs back when poked (or use a stand mixer with dough hook on low for 5–6 minutes).
- First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 45 minutes). Temperature tip: 75–80°F is ideal—too hot will kill yeast.
- Shape rolls: Gently deflate dough, divide into 12–16 equal pieces (about 2 oz each), and roll into tight balls. Tucking edges under helps maintain round tops.
- Second rise: Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13 pan, cover loosely, and let puff for 20–30 minutes—they should look visibly domed.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush tops with melted butter, then bake 15–18 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Finish & serve: Immediately brush with more butter for a glossy sheen. Let cool 5 minutes before serving—trust me, the crumb sets better if you wait just a bit.
Servings & Timing
Makes 12–16 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 45 + 25 minutes
Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes (including rests)
Variations on the Classic Dinner Rolls Recipe
• Garlic-Herb: Mix 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary and a smashed garlic clove into melted butter for brushing.
• Cinnamon-Honey: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to dough and glaze with honey-butter post-bake.
• Whole Wheat Twist: Swap 1 cup all-purpose flour for whole wheat and increase milk by 2 tablespoons.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, olive oil for butter, and a flax “egg” (1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water).
• Cheddar Jalapeño: Fold ¾ cup shredded cheddar and 1 minced jalapeño into dough for a spicy twist.
• Mini Slider Buns: Roll smaller dough balls (1 oz each) for bite-sized sammies.
Dinner Rolls Recipe Storage & Reheating
• Room Temp: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days—bring to room temperature before warming.
• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked (flash-freeze on a tray, then bag) for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave with a damp paper towel for 10–15 seconds.
• Make-Ahead: Shape and freeze unbaked rolls; thaw in fridge overnight, then let rise and bake as directed.
Notes on This Dinner Rolls Recipe
• Yeast temperature matters: Water over 120°F can kill the cells—aim for 105–110°F with a kitchen thermometer.
• Knead for structure: Well-worked dough traps more gas, giving you that light crumb.
• Humidity check: In dry kitchens, mist dough lightly during rising to prevent crusting.
• Butter brushing: Double-butter for extra shine, or swap with garlic-infused oil.
• Pan choice: A glass dish retains heat differently than metal—adjust bake time by 1–2 minutes if needed.
Dinner Rolls Recipe FAQs
Q: My rolls didn’t rise—what went wrong?
A: Either yeast was expired or water was too hot/cold; always bloom yeast in 105–110°F water.
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
A: Yes—use 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast, stir directly into flour, and skip the bloom step.
Q: How do I get a shiny, golden top?
A: Brushing with melted butter or an egg-wash (1 egg + 1 Tbsp water) before baking gives color and sheen.
Q: Can I mix dough the night before?
A: Sure—after kneading, cover bowl and chill up to 12 hours; bring to room temp for second rise before baking.
Q: Are these rolls healthy?
A: Each roll runs about 180 calories with 7 g fat and 4 g protein—swap whole wheat or reduce butter for a lighter bite.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with added xanthan gum; dough may feel stickier—chill before shaping.
Q: Why are my rolls dense?
A: Under-kneading or a rushed rise leads to heavy crumb—give it time, and you’ll see better lift.
Q: How do I reheat frozen rolls?
A: Wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or microwave with a damp towel in 15-second bursts.
Conclusion
These soft, fluffy dinner rolls bring warmth to any table—whether you’re serving a holiday feast or simply craving homemade bread. Give the recipe a try, then swing back here to share your favorite twist or rate it below. If you loved these, you might also enjoy my Honey Oat Bread or Cheesy Garlic Knots—happy baking!
Dinner Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk whole milk warmed to 110°F
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast active dry yeast 1 packet, test bloom in warm water first
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar granulated sugar or honey, feeds the yeast, adds a touch of sweetness
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt fine sea salt balances flavor
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter unsalted butter melted, choose real butter for best taste
- 1 large egg egg room temperature, for a richer crumb
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour all-purpose flour approx. 450 g, spooned and leveled, sub with whole wheat + AP flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil olive oil optional for dairy-free swap
Instructions
- Stir sugar into warm milk, sprinkle yeast on top, and let sit until foamy.
- Whisk melted butter, egg, and sugar in a bowl.
- Add foamy yeast and salt, then gradually stir in flour. Knead until dough is silky.
- Shape dough into a ball, let rise until doubled.
- Divide dough, roll into balls, tuck edges under.
- Arrange rolls in a pan, let puff for 20-30 minutes.
- Brush with butter, bake until golden brown.
- Brush with more butter, let cool before serving.
