Looking for the best homemade soft dinner rolls recipe? These fluffy dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Made with simple ingredients like whole milk, unsalted butter, and all-purpose flour, these soft rolls are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty soup, roasted meats, or simply with a pat of butter, these rolls will elevate any meal.

With easy-to-follow steps, you can bake the perfect golden-brown dinner rolls with a soft and buttery interior. They’re also great for sandwiches or as a side for any occasion. Make them from scratch and enjoy the comfort food at its finest. These dinner rolls are the ideal balance of flavor and texture, with a slightly sweet taste from the sugar and a perfect rise from the yeast.
Ideal for family gatherings, holiday dinners, and casual meals, these dinner rolls are sure to be a crowd favorite. Try this simple, homemade dinner roll recipe today and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 tsp salt (fine sea salt recommended)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly, minus 1 to 3 Tbsp)
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing the tops of the rolls)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (for sprinkling on finished rolls)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together warm milk (around 110°F) and 1 Tbsp of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 1 minute. Afterward, whisk to combine and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add 4 Tbsp of melted butter, the remaining sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, half a cup at a time, mixing as you go. Once the dough becomes too thick, switch to the dough hook attachment on your mixer and mix on speed 2. (Alternatively, you can use a stiff spatula and continue mixing by hand.) If the dough is too sticky, add the last 1 to 3 tablespoons of flour, but keep it slightly tacky without sticking to your hands.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough in the stand mixer for about 2 minutes or by hand for approximately 10 minutes. Once kneaded, place the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 15 to 24 equal pieces, depending on the size of your baking dish. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 to 60 minutes, or until they have puffed up (do not over-proof).
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Finish: As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt. Allow the rolls to cool to room temperature before serving.
Tips
- For soft, fluffy rolls, ensure your milk is warmed to around 110°F to activate the yeast properly. Too hot or cold milk can prevent the yeast from working.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes to develop the gluten properly.
- If you don’t have kosher salt, you can use regular salt, but adjust the quantity to taste.
Variations and Substitutions
- Herb Dinner Rolls: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough before the first rise for a savory twist.
- Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
- Sweet Dinner Rolls: Add a bit of honey or cinnamon to the dough for a sweet variation.
FAQs
- Can I freeze the dough?: Yes! After the first rise, you can freeze the dough. Once it’s fully risen, shape the rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them individually, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from the freezer when ready.
- Why are my rolls dense?: The dough may not have had enough time to rise, or the flour could have been over-measured. Make sure to measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these soft dinner rolls with a pat of butter, or pair them with soups, stews, or roasted meats.
- These rolls are also perfect for sandwiches or as a side to your holiday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These soft dinner rolls are incredibly fluffy, buttery, and easy to make from scratch. With minimal ingredients, they’re the perfect addition to any meal, whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special holiday gathering. Their golden, soft texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe
15
servings15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed to 110°F
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 Tbsp active dry yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 tsp salt (fine sea salt recommended)
4 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly, minus 1 to 3 Tbsp)
1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing the tops of the rolls)
1/2 tsp kosher salt (for sprinkling on finished rolls)
Directions
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together warm milk (around 110°F) and 1 Tbsp of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 1 minute. Afterward, whisk to combine and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add 4 Tbsp of melted butter, the remaining sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, half a cup at a time, mixing as you go. Once the dough becomes too thick, switch to the dough hook attachment on your mixer and mix on speed 2. (Alternatively, you can use a stiff spatula and continue mixing by hand.) If the dough is too sticky, add the last 1 to 3 tablespoons of flour, but keep it slightly tacky without sticking to your hands.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough in the stand mixer for about 2 minutes or by hand for approximately 10 minutes. Once kneaded, place the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 15 to 24 equal pieces, depending on the size of your baking dish. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 to 60 minutes, or until they have puffed up (do not over-proof).
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Finish: As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt. Allow the rolls to cool to room temperature before serving.
Leave a Reply