If you’re hunting for the ultimate comfort food companion, I’ve got you covered with The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe that I turn to time and again. These rolls come out perfectly soft, fluffy, and buttery every single time — trust me, they’re so good, you might just find yourself making extras for snacking! Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, these rolls always steal the show. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to bake your own batch of these irresistible gems.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Soft & Fluffy: Thanks to the warm milk and just the right amount of butter, these rolls have that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone craves.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy flours or weird additives — just pantry staples you probably already have.
- Quick and Easy: The yeast rise time is short, so you can have dinner rolls ready in under an hour and a half.
- Kid-Approved: My family goes crazy for these, and I bet yours will too — bonus points for sneaking veggies past picky eaters when they’re paired with rolls!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe works because of the balance between yeast, sugar, and butter — they create a beautiful rise, a touch of sweetness, and a buttery finish that makes these rolls unforgettable. When shopping, try to pick fresh yeast if available and real butter for the best flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough; make sure it’s fresh for good gluten development.
- Rapid rise, instant yeast: I love this yeast because it cuts down on rise time without sacrificing flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness that balances the buttery richness.
- Salt: Essential for boosting flavor and controlling yeast activity.
- Warm milk (around 110°F): Activates the yeast gently; too hot and it can kill the yeast.
- Butter (softened): Adds tenderness and richness to each roll.
- Egg (room temperature): Helps provide structure and a beautiful golden color.
- Melted butter: For brushing the hot rolls — this is my secret step for irresistible shine and flavor.
Variations
I’m all about making recipes your own, and these rolls are no exception. Feel free to mix up the add-ins or toppings to keep things fun and tailored to your family’s tastes.
- Herb-Infused Rolls: Once, I stirred in some finely chopped rosemary and thyme into the dough, and it was a total hit for dinner parties!
- Garlic Butter Finish: Swap the plain melted butter for garlic-infused butter brushed on top for a savory punch.
- Whole Wheat Twist: Replace 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor—just add a touch more milk as needed.
- Sweet Rolls: Add a little cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough, then sprinkle sugar on top before baking for a dessert-style treat.
How to Make The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients Like a Pro
Start by combining 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, softened butter, and the egg in your stand mixer bowl. Use the dough hook on the lowest speed so you don’t send flour flying everywhere—scrape down the sides when you need to, because I always do. After the flour starts coming together, bump up the speed to medium and mix for about 2 minutes until the dough starts to get smooth.
Step 2: Knead in More Flour Bit by Bit
Next, add flour in two half-cup increments, mixing and kneading at medium speed for 2 more minutes after each addition. You want a dough that’s soft and just a bit sticky; it should pull away slightly from the bowl but not dry or crumbly. I learned the hard way that adding too much flour can make the rolls dense, so resist the urge to dump it all in at once!
Step 3: First Rise — Let the Magic Happen
Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. I leave it on the counter for about 30 minutes. It’s so satisfying to see it puff up — that’s when you know it’s ready! If your kitchen is cold, consider putting the bowl in a warm spot to help the rise along.
Step 4: Shape Your Rolls with Love
Gently punch down the dough to deflate it — this distributes the yeast and air bubbles nicely. Then, pinch off small dough balls for your rolls; I weigh mine to about 2 ounces each to keep them consistent. You can shape them into smooth rounds by tucking the edges underneath, which helps them bake evenly and look pretty.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the rolls on a greased baking sheet or in a 9×13 pan so they’re not squished but close enough to rise together. Cover again and let them rest for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F during this time. Bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes or until they’re golden on top — if they brown too fast, loosely tent them with foil to protect their color.
Step 6: Butter ’Em Up and Serve Hot
Right out of the oven, brush the rolls with melted butter for that gorgeous shine and extra softness. This step is a game-changer — it’s what really sets these apart. Serve immediately if you can, but if you have leftovers, I’ve got tips for storing those coming up!
Pro Tips for Making The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Don’t Overdo the Flour: I always add flour gradually — it’s easy to add more if needed, but too much makes rolls tough.
- Perfect Milk Temperature: I learned that milk too hot or cold can kill or slow down the yeast; 110°F is ideal.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: They blend better into the dough and help create a tender crumb.
- Brush with Butter Immediately: Apply melted butter as soon as the rolls come out — it keeps them moist and adds that signature flavor.
How to Serve The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a brush of melted butter and sometimes a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Those little touches elevate the rolls just enough without overpowering their buttery goodness.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with soups — think creamy tomato basil, hearty chicken noodle, or classic beef stew. I also love serving them alongside roasted chicken and veggies; they’re perfect for soaking up gravy or sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular wreath pattern on a large platter, decorated with sprigs of rosemary and garlic cloves tucked in between. It makes the table look festive, and guests get a little thrill picking their roll from the centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to let leftover rolls cool completely, then store them in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and ready to reheat without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, these rolls freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil before placing them in the freezer. They last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temp.
Reheating
To bring the rolls back to life, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This warms them through and crisps up the outside slightly while keeping the inside soft. If they feel dry, a quick brush of melted butter after reheating works wonders.
FAQs
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Can I make The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It just takes a bit more elbow grease—expect about 8-10 minutes of kneading until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
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Can I substitute milk in this recipe?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use unsweetened almond milk or soy milk warmed to the same temperature. Just keep in mind it may slightly affect the flavor and texture, but the rolls should still turn out great.
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How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of around 190°F indicates they’re perfectly cooked through.
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Can I make these rolls vegan?
You can! Substitute the milk with plant-based milk and swap the butter and egg for vegan alternatives like coconut oil and flax eggs. It takes a little experimenting to get texture just right, but it’s doable.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this comes together as a staple that feels both fancy and homey. When I first tried baking these dinner rolls, I was blown away by how soft and buttery they turned out without requiring tons of complicated steps. Now, whenever I serve them, the whole family rallies around the table asking for seconds — and that’s the kind of meal magic I want for you too. Give The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s my go-to for special meals and everyday dinners alike!
Print
The BEST Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BEST Dinner Rolls are light, fluffy, and buttery, perfect as a side for any meal. Made from simple ingredients including flour, yeast, sugar, and butter, these homemade rolls are soft on the inside with a golden crust on the outside. Ready in under an hour, they’re ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 – 5 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons rapid rise, instant yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110 degrees F)
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 egg, room temperature
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, add 3 cups of flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, softened butter, and the egg. Attach the dough hook for mixing.
- Mix and Knead: Turn the mixer on low speed to incorporate flour, scraping down the sides as needed. Increase to medium speed and mix for 2 minutes. Add ½ cup flour, then another ½ cup, mixing well after each addition. Continue kneading for 2 more minutes until a dough ball forms. Add more flour if necessary until dough is slightly sticky but pulls away from the bowl.
- Let Dough Rise: Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Deflate and Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough lightly to release air. Pinch off pieces and shape into 24 rolls, weighing around 2 ounces each for uniformity.
- Second Rise: Arrange rolls on a greased quarter baking sheet or a 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Tent with foil if rolls brown too quickly.
- Brush with Butter: Remove rolls from oven and immediately brush with melted butter for a soft, buttery crust.
- Serve or Store: Serve warm or let cool and store rolls in a plastic bag for up to 3 days.
Notes
- These dinner rolls are perfectly soft, fluffy, and buttery, making them an irresistible addition to any meal.
- Using instant yeast and warm milk speeds up the rising process for quick preparation.
- Weighing the rolls helps ensure even baking and consistent size.
- Melted butter brushed on warm rolls adds a delicious sheen and rich flavor.
- Store cooled rolls in an airtight container or plastic bag to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 74
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 136 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
