These Easy Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and incredibly simple to make! With just a few basic ingredients, you can have warm, homemade rolls that are perfect for pairing with soups, holiday dinners, or just slathering with butter. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cook, this foolproof recipe guarantees delicious, golden-brown rolls every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy – Perfect texture with a tender crumb.
- Quick and easy – Simple steps and minimal kneading.
- Versatile – Great for sandwiches, sliders, or served with any meal.
- Make-ahead friendly – Dough can be prepared in advance.
- Better than store-bought – Fresh, homemade taste with no preservatives.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Warm milk (whole or 2%)
- Active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Egg
- All-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
- Salt
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
- Stir in melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
- Knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls
- Punch down the dough, divide into equal portions, and shape into balls.
- Arrange in a greased baking dish.
6. Second Rise
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush rolls with melted butter and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
8. Serve Warm
- Brush with more butter after baking for an extra-soft crust.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–16 rolls
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Variations
- Garlic butter rolls – Brush with garlic butter before baking.
- Cheesy rolls – Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the dough.
- Whole wheat version – Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
- Sweet rolls – Increase sugar and brush with honey butter.
- Herb-infused – Mix in dried rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast and skip the activation step.
What’s the best flour for dinner rolls?
All-purpose flour works best, but bread flour will give a chewier texture.
How do I know when the dough is ready to bake?
It should be puffy and slightly spring back when touched.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.
How do I get a soft crust?
Brushing with butter after baking keeps the crust soft and tender.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, substitute with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or an extra tablespoon of butter.
Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
Your yeast might be expired, or the milk was too hot or too cold.
Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?
Yes! Use the dough hook on medium speed for about 5–6 minutes.
How do I make these extra buttery?
Increase butter in the dough and brush generously before and after baking.
Can I make smaller rolls?
Yes! Just reduce baking time to around 15 minutes.
Conclusion
These Easy Dinner Rolls are soft, buttery, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, they are sure to become a family favorite. Try this foolproof recipe and enjoy warm, homemade rolls straight from the oven!
PrintEasy Dinner Rolls
These soft, fluffy, and buttery dinner rolls are super easy to make and perfect for any meal! With just a few simple ingredients, you can have fresh, homemade rolls that are golden on the outside and pillowy on the inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1½ – 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2½ hours
- Yield: 12–15 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For Brushing:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. (Skip this step if using instant yeast.)
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a stand mixer dough hook for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-15 equal pieces. Shape into smooth balls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 5: Bake & Serve
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the rolls with melted butter and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and brush with more melted butter. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra soft rolls, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Want a richer flavor? Substitute half the milk with buttermilk.
- Make-ahead option: Refrigerate the dough overnight before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for 3 months.