Soft Dinner Rolls

Soft, buttery, and irresistibly fluffy, these homemade dinner rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re serving them with a holiday feast or just a cozy weeknight dinner, these rolls will steal the show. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have freshly baked rolls that are soft on the inside with a golden, slightly crispy exterior. Let’s dive into this incredibly easy recipe for soft dinner rolls that you and your family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These dinner rolls are everything you want in a bread roll. They’re tender, soft, and buttery, with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. The best part is that you only need 7 ingredients to make them, and they come together relatively easily, even for beginner bakers. Plus, you can freeze the dough or even bake the rolls in advance for a stress-free dinner. With a beautiful golden-brown top and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture, these rolls elevate any meal. The addition of honey butter topping is an optional but delightful finishing touch.

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 Tbsp; 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: Whisk the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes. If you’re mixing by hand, use a large bowl and mix the dough using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.

2. Mix the dough: Add the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook or paddle attachment, mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides and add the remaining flour. Mix on medium speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl (about 2 minutes). If the dough is too wet, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it is manageable.

3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes using the dough hook or by hand on a floured surface. The dough should feel soft but slightly tacky. Perform the “windowpane test” to check if the dough is ready.

4. 1st Rise: Grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap, foil, or a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

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

6. 2nd Rise: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap or a towel and let them rise for about 1 hour, or until puffy.

7. Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown. If the tops brown too quickly, tent with foil. Optionally, brush with the honey butter topping.

8. Cool and serve: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 14-16 rolls

• Prep Time: 3 hours, 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 22 minutes

• Total Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Variations

• Whole Wheat Rolls: Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

• Garlic Butter Rolls: Mix minced garlic and parsley into the melted butter topping for a garlic bread twist.

• Cheese Rolls: Add shredded cheese (like cheddar) to the dough for cheesy rolls.

• Herb Rolls: Incorporate dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for an aromatic flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover rolls at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked rolls after the first rise. Once frozen, place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and let rise before baking as directed. You can also freeze the baked rolls and reheat them in a 300°F (149°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

How can I tell if my yeast is still active?

To check if your yeast is active, dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar and wait for 5-10 minutes. If it becomes frothy, it’s good to use.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it rise for another 1-2 hours at room temperature before shaping and baking the rolls.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but the rise time will be slightly longer. Just be sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.

How do I make the rolls fluffier?

For softer, fluffier rolls, avoid adding too much flour during the kneading process, and ensure your dough rises in a warm place.

What’s the best way to warm up leftover dinner rolls?

To reheat dinner rolls, wrap them in foil and bake at 300°F (149°C) for about 10 minutes.

Can I use a hand mixer to mix the dough?

While a hand mixer can work, the sticky dough may get stuck in the beaters. It’s best to mix by hand with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.

What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it becomes manageable but still soft and slightly tacky.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, bread flour will make the rolls chewier, but all-purpose flour will still yield soft, fluffy results.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping. Simply thaw and allow them to rise before baking.

Can I add a different topping besides honey butter?

Absolutely! You can use garlic butter, herb-infused butter, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a savory twist.

Conclusion

These soft dinner rolls are a must-try recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser at your next meal. Whether you bake them fresh or make them ahead, they offer a deliciously tender and buttery texture that will complement any dish. Their simplicity and versatility make them perfect for any occasion. With a little time and patience, you can have homemade rolls that rival those from your favorite bakery!