There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked dinner rolls wafting through your kitchen. These soft, fluffy, and golden dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal—whether it’s a family dinner, holiday feast, or a casual gathering. Slightly sweet, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, they pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or a warm pat of butter. Best of all, this recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers. Get ready to impress your guests (and yourself!) with these irresistible homemade rolls.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional Topping:
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release air.
Divide the dough into 12–16 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish or tray, leaving a small gap between each roll.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with butter or your favorite spread.
Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls
Warm Ingredients: Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
Kneading: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the fluffiest rolls.
Make Ahead: Prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.
Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Calories and Nutritional Information (Per Roll, approximately):
Calories: 160 kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Sugar: 3g
Tips for Perfect Soft Dinner Rolls
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the dough to rise properly. If in doubt, test it by mixing it with warm milk and a little sugar—if it bubbles, it’s good to go.
- Warm Ingredients: Use warm (not hot) milk and melted butter to keep the dough soft and activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead Well: Proper kneading develops the gluten in the dough, creating a smooth, elastic texture that leads to fluffy rolls.
- Let It Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the bowl near a warm oven or inside a microwave with a cup of hot water.
- Shape Evenly: Roll each piece of dough into a smooth, tight ball for uniform rolls that bake evenly.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the rolls with egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
- Keep Them Soft: Brush the baked rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven to keep the tops soft and add extra flavor.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their freshly baked warmth.