Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
If you have ever wished for soft, fluffy, and irresistibly warm rolls to accompany your meals, you are going to love this Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe. There is something truly magical about pulling freshly baked dinner rolls from your own oven—each roll tender, golden, and slightly buttery, making every bite a little celebration. This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners yet delivers bakery-quality results that are perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any time you want to add a special touch to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance in your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe. Each one plays a vital role in creating those tender, fluffy rolls that everyone will love.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and a soft crumb when baked.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: This magical ingredient helps your dough rise and develop its airy texture.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C): Warm milk activates the yeast and creates a tender crumb while adding richness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the buttery flavor and helps the yeast ferment.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings moisture, softness, and a delicious buttery taste to each roll.
- 1 large egg: Enriches the dough, providing color, flavor, and a tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Begin by combining the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to make your rolls rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix in wet ingredients
Once the yeast mixture is foamy, stir in the melted butter, egg, and salt. These ingredients add richness and flavor that make your rolls tender and slightly sweet with a lovely buttery note.
Step 3: Incorporate the flour
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This slow incorporation prevents the dough from becoming too dry or stiff. You’ll want to stop when a soft dough forms that’s slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Knead the dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes. The goal here is to develop gluten, making your dough smooth, elastic, and ready to trap the gases that cause rising – this is why kneading is so essential.
Step 5: First rise
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and set it aside in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size. This doubling is your dough’s first big breath before shaping.
Step 6: Shape the rolls
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release trapped air. Divide it into 12 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball. The shaping step helps create those perfect little rolls with smooth tops and fluffy textures.
Step 7: Second rise
Place the shaped rolls on a greased baking sheet or a 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly. Cover them again and let them rest for 30 minutes. This second rise puffs them up even more, guaranteeing soft, light rolls once baked.
Step 8: Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. The aroma here is absolutely irresistible, signaling that your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe is almost ready to enjoy.
Step 9: Add a buttery finish
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter. This little finishing touch adds a gorgeous glossy sheen and an extra layer of buttery goodness that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are scrumptious on their own, sometimes a little extra sprinkle of flavor can make them unforgettable. Try brushing them with garlic butter and a pinch of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory upgrade that pairs beautifully with soups and stews.
Side Dishes
Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are a perfect companion to a wide range of dishes. They soak up hearty gravies with ease, complement creamy mashed potatoes, and provide a soft contrast to crispy fried chicken or a vibrant salad. Their versatility makes them an essential staple around any dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve your rolls in a basket lined with a colorful kitchen towel or arrange them in a circular pattern on a warm plate with pats of butter in the center. You can even slice them in half for sliders with your favorite fillings—sweet or savory!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any rolls left after your meal (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to two days, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, keeping their fresh-from-the-oven taste ready whenever you want.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover rolls back to life, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Wrapping them in foil keeps them soft and moist, making them taste almost as good as the day they were baked.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but keep in mind this may make the rolls a bit denser. For best results, try replacing half the flour and adjust with additional liquid if needed.
What if I don’t have warm milk?
If you don’t have warm milk, you can warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until it hits about 110°F (45°C). Too hot and it might kill the yeast, too cold and the yeast won’t activate properly.
Can I make these dinner rolls without an egg?
Yes, though the egg helps with the texture and color. You can omit it and replace it with an extra tablespoon of melted butter or a flax egg if you prefer a vegan version. The rolls might be slightly less rich but still delicious.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy and soft. A good test is to gently poke the dough with a finger—if the indentation remains, it’s ready. If it bounces back quickly, it needs more time.
Why are my rolls dense and not fluffy?
Density often results from under-kneading, not allowing the dough to rise fully, or using water that is too hot or cold for the yeast. Make sure to knead until smooth, give it enough time to rise, and confirm your liquids are at the correct temperature for the best fluffiness.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like the joy of sharing fresh, soft, and warm dinner rolls made from scratch with those you love. This Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe is not only approachable but turns out perfect every time, bringing comfort and smiles to your table. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to recipe!
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Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy homemade dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Made from scratch with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and butter, they are ideal for family dinners or special occasions. The dough is kneaded and left to rise twice, ensuring a light and airy texture. Finished with a buttery glaze, these rolls come out golden brown and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl; let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast and ensure proper fermentation.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in melted butter, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture, blending thoroughly to create a smooth base for the dough.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms that is pliable but not overly sticky.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing gluten structure for the rolls.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size, allowing the dough to ferment and expand.
- Divide and Shape: Punch down the risen dough, divide it into 12 equal portions, and shape each into a smooth ball for uniform baking.
- Second Rise: Arrange the dough balls on a greased baking sheet or 9×13-inch dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes to relax and puff up before baking.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with melted butter for a shiny, flavorful, and soft crust.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Extra flour might be needed depending on humidity and flour brand; add gradually to avoid stiff dough.
- For a richer flavor, substitute some of the milk with buttermilk.
- The rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Brush with more melted butter after baking if desired for extra softness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
