Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe
These Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls are everything you hope for in a homemade bread: golden on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and just a hint of sweetness that melts into every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply elevating a family weeknight meal, this recipe promises reliably delicious, bakery-style rolls with minimal fuss. Their comforting aroma brings everyone to the kitchen, and every roll is irresistibly tender and buttery—a true crowd-pleaser that will have friends and family reaching for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls lies in their simplicity—each ingredient has a purpose, from the rich butter that adds flavor and tenderness to the warm milk that helps the dough rise beautifully. You probably already have most of these staples on hand, and together they work some real magic, ending in a tray of perfectly soft dinner rolls you’ll be proud to serve.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): The warmth activates the yeast and creates a tender crumb.
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet): Gives the rolls their signature lift and fluffy texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness and feeds the yeast to help it rise.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the dough with rich flavor and softens the texture.
- 1 large egg: Builds structure and adds richness, making the rolls soft and light.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more as needed): Provides the foundation for your dough—add extra if your dough is too sticky.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the rolls.
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing): Glossy and flavorful, this final brush makes the rolls irresistible.
How to Make Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start your journey to fluffy and soft dinner rolls by combining warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a large mixing bowl. This short rest lets you see the yeast come alive—the mixture should become foamy within 5 to 10 minutes, letting you know your yeast is working and ready for action. This simple step is the secret to light, well-risen rolls every time.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Once your yeast is bubbly, stir in the rest of the sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Mix until the dough pulls together into a soft, tacky ball—whether by hand or using your trusty stand mixer. Then knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes, aiming for a dough that is smooth, elastic, and only slightly sticky. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle in extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to help the dough come together without sticking.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it up so it doesn’t dry out. Find a warm, cozy spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise for 1 to 1½ hours. By the end of this short wait, your dough should have doubled in size—this is where the fluffy magic happens!
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Give your risen dough a gentle punch down to release any extra air. Then slice it into 15 roughly equal pieces (don’t stress about absolute perfection here). Roll each portion between your hands to form smooth, round balls and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving just a bit of space between so the rolls can snug up as they bake.
Step 5: Second Rise
Once shaped, cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, just until they’ve puffed up and are nearly touching. This second rise is key for the pillowy, pull-apart texture that defines Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 15 to 18 minutes, until the tops are richly golden and perfuming your kitchen. As soon as they come out, slather them with melted butter to make them extra tender and give them an irresistible sheen. Let them cool a few minutes before serving—just enough time to make everyone’s mouths water!
How to Serve Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls
Garnishes
A simple swipe of melted butter is classic, but don’t stop there! Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, fresh chopped herbs, or even a touch of garlic powder right after baking for an extra burst of flavor. These easy garnishes turn your Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls into something truly special.
Side Dishes
These rolls are perfect alongside hearty soups, roasted meats, or crisp salads. They soak up sauces and gravies beautifully, making them the ultimate partner for your next family feast or holiday spread. Pair them with homemade gravy or a rich stew, and watch the basket empty in no time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your rolls in a rustic breadbasket lined with a colorful napkin, or arrange them around a bowl of whipped honey butter for a show-stopping centerpiece. For parties, you can even split the rolls and fill them with sliders or mini sandwiches—a delicious surprise for your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and inviting, ready for another delicious meal or a quick snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep their fluffy charm for up to three months! Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste, wrap your rolls in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but the oven method best restores their delicate, fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast one-for-one in this recipe. There’s no need to activate it with warm milk first—just mix it right in with the dry ingredients for equally fluffy results.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem at all! These Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls can be mixed and kneaded entirely by hand. It may take a bit more effort, but the results are equally rewarding—and you’ll get a little arm workout along the way!
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! After shaping the rolls and arranging them in your baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let them come to room temperature and complete their second rise before popping them in the oven.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and a hollow sound when tapped gently. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F. Overbaking may dry them out, so keep a close eye in the last few minutes.
Can I make these dairy-free?
You can experiment by using a non-dairy milk and a vegan butter alternative. While the taste and texture of your Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls may change a little, they’ll still be soft and delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve always wanted to master homemade bread, these Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls are a fantastic place to start. They’re delightfully simple yet absolutely irresistible, and every bite feels like a warm hug. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this cozy classic—you’ll be baking them on repeat in no time!
Print
Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising time)
- Yield: 15 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fluffy and soft dinner rolls are a perfect addition to any meal, with a light and airy texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Easy to make and delicious to eat, these homemade rolls will become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook on medium speed for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add more flour a tablespoon at a time if needed.
- Rise and Shape: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size. Punch down the dough and divide it into 15 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Brush immediately with melted butter and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated before the second rise—just bring them to room temperature before baking.
- Perfect for holidays or everyday dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
