Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Share
  • August 10, 2025
Breakfast

These soft and fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for any meal—whether you’re serving them with soup, as a sandwich base, or simply with butter. They’re golden brown on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside. Let’s walk through the full recipe step-by-step.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (not hot, around 100–110°F or 37–43°C)

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 egg (optional, for richer dough)

For Brushing:

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing on top after baking)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.

  2. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows the yeast is alive and active.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

  2. Make a well in the center, then pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.

  3. (Optional) Add a beaten egg for richer, more tender rolls.

  4. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

  2. Knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step (about 6–7 minutes on medium speed).

  3. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour—just a tablespoon at a time.

Step 4: First Rise

  1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.

  2. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.

  3. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

  1. Once risen, punch down the dough to release air.

  2. Divide the dough into 8–9 equal pieces.

  3. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges under.

  4. Place them in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined tray, close together but not touching too tightly.

Step 6: Second Rise

  1. Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 7: Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 8: Brush with Butter

  1. While the rolls are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter for a glossy, soft finish.

Tips for Success

  • Make sure your milk isn’t too hot or it will kill the yeast.

  • You can add a splash of honey or extra sugar for slightly sweeter rolls.

  • These rolls freeze well! Just let them cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with butter, jam, or honey.

  • Use as sliders or mini sandwich buns.

  • Great as a side with soups, stews, or roasted meats.

Conclusion

These soft dinner rolls are a homemade comfort that’s worth every step. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have fluffy, golden rolls fresh from the oven. Once you make them, you’ll never want store-bought again!

You may also like...

Categories