Soft and Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls

The Softest Homemade Dinner Rolls (Bakery-Style)

Few things compare to the comforting aroma of freshly baked homemade dinner rolls wafting through the kitchen. These buttery, golden rolls are warm, pillowy, and slightly sweet with a melt-in-your-mouth texture—just like your favorite bakery, only better because they’re made from scratch.

This is the exact roll recipe I’ve used for years in my home and professional kitchen. It’s dependable, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress—whether served with a cozy soup, a holiday roast, or simply slathered with butter and jam.

⭐ Why You’ll Love These Dinner Rolls

• Unmatched softness: Egg-enriched dough creates an airy, tender crumb.

• Golden and buttery: Egg wash gives a glossy top, melted butter adds richness.

• Easy to make: No fancy tools or complicated steps.

• Freezer-friendly: Freeze baked or unbaked for later.

• Customizable: Add herbs, cheese, or even a touch of garlic.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

• 2 tsp yeast (instant or active dry)

• 3 tbsp sugar

• 1 ¼ cups warm water or milk (about 110°F/43°C)

• ¼ cup vegetable or sunflower oil

• 2 large eggs

• ½ tsp salt

For Brushing:

• 1 egg white + 2 tbsp water (for egg wash)

• 2 tbsp melted butter (for post-bake shine)

🥖 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and sugar.
Pour in the warm water or milk and let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.

2️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients

Add oil, eggs, and salt.
Whisk gently until smooth.

3️⃣ Add Flour and Knead

Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time.
Knead for 5–7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until soft and elastic.

4️⃣ First Rise

Transfer to a greased bowl.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5️⃣ Shape Rolls

Divide dough into 24 even pieces.
Shape into balls and place in a greased baking dish.

6️⃣ Second Rise

Cover again and let rise for 30–40 minutes.

7️⃣ Bake and Finish

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Brush rolls with egg wash.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Immediately brush with melted butter.

🔁 Custom Flavor Ideas

🍽️ How to Serve These Rolls

• With Soup: Perfect alongside cowboy soup or hearty vegetable soup.

• As Sliders: Slice and fill with pulled chicken, meatballs, or veggies.

• For Breakfast: Serve with jam, cream cheese, or alongside crepes.

💡 What Makes These Rolls So Soft?

The magic is in the dough structure:

• Eggs: Add fat and protein for richness and height.

• Oil: Keeps the dough moist longer than butter.

• Milk or Water: Hydrates for softness; milk adds sweetness.

• Sugar: Feeds yeast and enhances flavor.

🧈 Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls

• Egg Wash Before Baking: Adds a golden, glossy crust.

• Butter After Baking: Locks in moisture and flavor.

• Bake on Middle Rack: For even browning, rotate if needed.

• Don’t Overbake: Check at 20 minutes to keep them soft.

🍞 Roll Comparison Guide

📦 Storage & Freezing

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.

• Freezer (Baked): Freeze in bags for up to 2 months.

• Freezer (Unbaked): Freeze shaped rolls, thaw, rise, and bake when ready.

• To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave briefly.

🔄 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping.

Can I skip the egg wash?
Yes. You can brush with milk instead for a softer shine, or skip altogether.

What flour is best?
All-purpose flour is ideal. Bread flour gives a slightly chewier roll.

Can I use water instead of milk?
Absolutely. Water gives a lighter crumb; milk adds richness.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Roll – Based on 24 Rolls)

• Calories: 160

• Carbs: 24g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 5g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 85mg