Soft, fluffy, and golden Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are a classic addition to any meal. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures perfect rolls every time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these dinner rolls are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it creates incredibly tender and flavorful rolls that are perfect for any occasion. These rolls are versatile and can be served with everything from hearty soups to holiday feasts. The process is simple enough for beginners but yields bakery-quality results. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked bread is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, I combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Next, I add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring everything together.
Gradually, I mix in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
I knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Once kneaded, I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
After the first rise, I punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions, shaping each piece into a ball.
I arrange the rolls on a greased baking sheet or in a 9×13 inch baking dish, cover them, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C), I bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Finally, I like to brush the warm rolls with melted butter for a glossy finish and extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1.5 hours
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Calories per Roll: 150 kcal
Variations
Garlic Herb Rolls: Mix minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley into the dough.
Sweet Honey Rolls: Replace granulated sugar with honey for a sweeter flavor.
Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
Cheesy Rolls: Add shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese to the dough for cheesy goodness.
Seeded Rolls: Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, I warm the rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
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FAQs
How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?
The dough is ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and doesn’t stick to your hands. You can also do the “windowpane test” by stretching a small piece of dough to see if it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. You won’t need to proof it in warm milk; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
What’s the best way to keep the rolls warm before serving?
I like to cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and keep them in a warm oven (set to low) until ready to serve.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Why did my rolls turn out dense instead of fluffy?
Dense rolls usually result from insufficient kneading, not allowing the dough to rise fully, or using too much flour. Make sure to measure flour accurately and allow enough time for rising.
Conclusion
These easy homemade dinner rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a soft, fluffy texture and rich, buttery flavor. Whether for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or a casual brunch, these rolls are sure to impress. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (Plus Rising)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy, and golden, these easy homemade dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. With a straightforward recipe and versatile variations, these dinner rolls are a beginner-friendly way to achieve bakery-quality bread at home. Ideal for holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, or casual brunches, these rolls will delight every time.
Ingredients
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl; let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in melted butter, egg, and salt.
- Gradually mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough, divide into 12 portions, and shape into balls.
- Arrange on a greased baking sheet or 9×13-inch dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter for a glossy finish.
Notes
For variations like garlic herb, sweet honey, or cheesy rolls, incorporate the additional ingredients during the mixing stage.
Ensure the milk is at the right temperature (110°F/45°C) to activate the yeast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 rolls
- Calories: 150 kcal
