Soft Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly buttery, these soft dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Made with just 7 simple ingredients, they require a bit of time and patience, but the end result is worth every second. Whether for a holiday dinner or an everyday side, these rolls will steal the spotlight on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about fresh-baked dinner rolls that can elevate even the simplest of meals. These soft dinner rolls are perfectly flaky on the outside, tender and light on the inside, with just the right balance of sweetness and buttery flavor. The dough is easy to work with and yields a beautiful batch of rolls that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, you can freeze or refrigerate the dough for make-ahead convenience, making them ideal for busy days or holiday meals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)

• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (1 standard packet)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour or bread flour* (spooned & leveled)

• Optional topping: 2 tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter mixed with 1 tablespoon honey

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar together. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. If you don’t have a stand mixer, use a large mixing bowl and a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to mix the dough in the next steps.

2. Add the remaining ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook or paddle attachment, beat on low for 30 seconds. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then add the remaining flour. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the dough forms and pulls away from the bowl sides. If the dough is too wet to handle, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes workable but still slightly sticky.

3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 5 minutes using the stand mixer, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface. Add flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but easy to handle. To test, poke the dough with your finger; if it slowly bounces back, it’s ready to rise. You can also perform the “windowpane test” to ensure proper kneading.

4. 1st Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides in the oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise in a warm environment for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the rolls: Punch the dough down and divide it into 14-16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, or in two 9-inch round or square pans.

6. 2nd Rise: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let them rise for 1 hour, until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

7. Preheat oven: While the rolls are rising, adjust the oven rack to a lower position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

8. Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Once golden brown on top, remove from the oven. Optionally, brush with melted butter mixed with honey.

9. Cool and serve: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 14-16 rolls

• Prep Time: 3 hours, 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 22 minutes

• Total Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Variations

• Herb Rolls: Add a tablespoon of dried rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist.

• Sweet Rolls: For a sweeter flavor, increase the sugar in the dough to 3 tablespoons or add a teaspoon of cinnamon.

• Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, nutty flavor.

• Cheese Rolls: Add grated cheddar cheese to the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking for cheesy dinner rolls.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Freezing: Freeze the dough before the second rise. After shaping the rolls, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw and allow to rise before baking.

• Reheating: To reheat rolls, cover them loosely with foil and bake in a 300°F (149°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warm. Alternatively, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

How can I tell if my yeast is still good?

If your yeast doesn’t foam or bubble after being mixed with warm milk and sugar, it may be dead and will not rise properly. Always check the expiration date on the packet.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough or freeze the shaped rolls for later baking. Be sure to follow the freezing or overnight instructions for best results.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to activate it first in warm water with a pinch of sugar before using it in the recipe.

How can I make the rolls softer?

Use a higher-fat ratio, like substituting some of the butter with milk powder or using bread flour for extra softness and chew.

What do I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to knead, add flour one tablespoon at a time until you reach a workable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, or the dough may become dry.

Can I bake the rolls in a different pan size?

Yes, you can bake these rolls in different pan sizes, but the baking time may vary. Just check for golden brown tops and an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

Can I freeze baked dinner rolls?

Yes, baked dinner rolls freeze well. Let them cool completely before freezing for up to 3 months. Reheat them as needed.

What should I do if my rolls aren’t rising?

Ensure your yeast is active, and your dough is kept in a warm environment to rise. If it’s too cold, consider placing the dough in an oven with the light on to encourage rising.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can substitute margarine, but the rolls may lack the rich flavor that butter provides.

How can I make my rolls golden brown?

Brush the rolls with melted butter right before or after baking for a shiny, golden finish.

Conclusion

These soft dinner rolls are sure to become a household favorite. They’re easy to make with just a few ingredients and yield the fluffiest, most buttery rolls you can imagine. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a comforting side dish, these rolls will always be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them warm with butter, and don’t forget to save a few for the next day—they’re just as delicious reheated!