These soft dinner rolls are warm, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. With a little butter on top, they’re simply irresistible!
Making them is a breeze! I love popping these in the oven and filling my kitchen with that heavenly smell. They disappear fast at my dinner table—who can resist?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm milk: Using warm milk helps activate the yeast. If you’re lactose intolerant, try almond milk or oat milk. Just make sure it’s warm, but not hot, so it doesn’t kill the yeast.
Active dry yeast: This is key for fluffy rolls. If you have instant yeast, you can use it instead—just skip the foaming step. If you don’t have any yeast, a baking powder substitute won’t work for this recipe, so better to plan ahead.
Granulated sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup. Just use a bit less since those are sweeter than sugar.
Unsalted butter: I love unsalted butter for the clean flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil works great instead. Just melt it and use it as you would butter!
All-purpose flour: While all-purpose flour is standard, bread flour can give your rolls a chewier texture. Gluten-free flour blends can also be used; check the package for specific usage instructions.
How Do You Properly Knead Dough?
Kneading is essential for developing gluten, leading to that perfect fluffy texture. Here’s how to knead like a pro:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, and push it with the heel of your hand.
- Fold the dough back over itself, then rotate it a quarter turn.
- Repeat this process for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Or, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough springs back when pressed. Happy baking!
Soft Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Additional melted butter, for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for prep and around 2 hours for rising. After baking, you’ll want to let the rolls cool for a few minutes before diving in. So, roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes until you can enjoy these fluffy rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This foaming means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter and the egg to the yeast mixture. Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything together until well-combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed, which is important for flavor.
4. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture. Stir using a wooden spoon or a mixer until a dough begins to form. It should be a bit sticky but manageable.
5. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, if you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook for about 6-7 minutes.
6. Let It Rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball with your hands.
8. Arrange in the Pan:
Place the dough balls evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each one. They’ll puff up beautifully!
9. Second Rise:
Cover the pan again and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they’re puffy and nearly touching each other.
10. Preheat the Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready when your rolls are done rising.
11. Bake the Rolls:
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
12. Brush with Butter:
As soon as you take the rolls out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter. This gives them a beautiful shine and enhances the flavor.
13. Serve and Enjoy!
Let the rolls cool for a few minutes in the pan before serving warm. They’re perfect alongside any meal or just on their own!
Enjoy your fluffy, soft dinner rolls — they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! However, the texture may be denser. For the best results, try using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour to maintain some fluffiness.
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
No worries! First, ensure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date. If the environment is too cold, try placing the bowl in a warmer location, like an unheated oven with the light on. If the dough still doesn’t rise, you can try again with freshly activated yeast.
How Can I Store Leftover Dinner Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze! They can be reheated from frozen in a warm oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and shape it into rolls. At this point, you can refrigerate them overnight before the second rise. Just let them come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day.
