These homemade dinner rolls are light, tender, and flavorful, with a golden-brown top and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They come together with just a few basic ingredients and can be made ahead of time. Perfect for sopping up gravy, pairing with soup, or enjoying with a pat of butter, they’re a comforting classic that elevates any meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Granulated sugar
Salt
Warm milk
Unsalted butter, softened
Egg
Optional: additional melted butter for brushing tops after baking
Directions
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions (usually 12–16 pieces). Shape into balls and place in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet.
Cover and let rise again for about 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Brush the hot rolls with melted butter, if desired, and let them cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 to 16 dinner rolls. Prep time: 20 minutes Rising time: 1 hour 45 minutes Bake time: 15–20 minutes Total time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Variations
Herb Rolls: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough for an aromatic twist.
Cheese Rolls: Mix shredded cheddar or parmesan into the dough before shaping.
Sweet Rolls: Increase the sugar and add a bit of honey for a sweeter version.
Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
Stuffed Rolls: Place a cube of cheese or garlic butter inside each dough ball for a delicious surprise.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled dinner rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds. For longer storage, freeze rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What type of yeast should I use?
Active dry yeast works best, but you can also use instant yeast—just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Absolutely. Use the dough hook attachment to mix and knead the dough until smooth.
How do I know if the dough has risen enough?
It should double in size and leave an indentation when poked gently with your finger.
Why are my rolls dense?
This can happen if the dough wasn’t kneaded enough or didn’t rise properly. Make sure to give the dough time and warmth to rise fully.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze after shaping into rolls. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, let rise, then bake as directed.
How do I get shiny tops on the rolls?
Brush with an egg wash before baking or melted butter after baking for a glossy finish.
Are these rolls suitable for sliders?
Yes, they’re soft yet sturdy enough to use as mini sandwich buns.
Can I add milk powder to enhance flavor?
Yes, a tablespoon or two of milk powder can make the rolls even richer and more tender.
What’s the best flour for dinner rolls?
All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour can give a slightly chewier texture.
Conclusion
These Dinner Rolls are everything you want in a homemade bread—soft, warm, and incredibly satisfying. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, they pair perfectly with just about any meal. Once you try these rolls, you’ll never go back to store-bought. Make a batch today and enjoy the comforting taste of freshly baked bread at your table.
These Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and buttery with a golden crust—perfect as a side dish for any meal. Easy to make and irresistibly good, they’re ideal for holidays or everyday dinners.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
Optional: 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing after baking
Instructions
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp of sugar in warm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide into 12–16 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased baking dish or sheet.
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Brush hot rolls with melted butter if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use bread flour for slightly chewier rolls if preferred.For shiny tops, brush with egg wash before baking.Freeze shaped dough for later baking or freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months.Allow dough to fully rise for light, fluffy texture.Stand mixer with dough hook makes kneading easier.
