These Easy Dinner Rolls come out soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth good, just the way homemade bread should be. They're so simple to make, you might never go back to store-bought.
This easy homemade dinner rolls recipe is one of those recipes that makes the whole house smell amazing. With just a few basics like flour, sugar, eggs, and milk, you'll have golden, buttery rolls that are soft on the inside and irresistible on the outside. I've lost count of how many times I've made these, and they never last more than a few minutes once they hit the table.
If you can't resist the smell of fresh bread, you'll enjoy baking this Dutch oven bread and homemade sandwich bread just as much as these rolls.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This easy dinner rolls recipe uses simple ingredients and clear steps, making it approachable even for beginner bakers.
- Incredible Flavor: Buttery, slightly sweet, and perfectly golden, this might just be the best dinner roll recipe you've ever tried.
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, fresh-from-the-oven rolls that work with any meal, from cozy soups to holiday feasts like a classic baked ham with brown sugar glaze.
- Family Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, these simple dinner rolls are perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
- Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes your rolls rise and gives them that soft, fluffy texture. For the best results in this easy dinner rolls with yeast recipe, make sure your yeast is fresh and active.
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar helps feed the yeast so it can rise properly, and it adds a touch of sweetness to the rolls. It also helps create that golden color when baking.
- Salted Butter: Butter adds rich flavor and moisture to the dough. Use room temperature butter so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Eggs: Eggs help create a tender crumb and add richness to the rolls. Room temperature eggs work best because they mix more evenly into the dough.
- Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and adds softness to the rolls.
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour for this recipe; it creates the perfect soft, fluffy texture. Add it gradually to avoid using too much, which can make the rolls dense.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Sweet Cinnamon Rolls: Before rolling the dough into balls, brush with melted butter and sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet breakfast-style roll.
- Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber without losing the soft texture.
- Herb-Infused Rolls: Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for a savory twist that would pair well with our vegetable beef soup or our chicken gnocchi soup.
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Mix minced garlic into the melted butter you brush on top after baking for a deliciously aromatic finish everyone will love.
How to Make Bread Rolls
This easy homemade rolls recipe is simple to follow and yields soft, buttery rolls every time. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your baking sheet with parchment and melted butter.
- Step 1: Proof the Yeast. Combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it's bubbly and frothy. This step is key for making fluffy, tender dinner rolls with active dry yeast.
- Step 2: Mix the Dough. Using a stand mixer or by hand, cream together the room-temperature butter and sugar until smooth. Add the warm milk, eggs, salt, and the yeast mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Step 3: Add the Flour and Knead. Switch to a dough hook if using a mixer, and gradually add the flour one cup at a time while mixing on low speed. Keep mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a soft ball, being careful not to add too much flour.
- Step 4: First Rise. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or lightly greased plastic wrap, and set it in a warm place to rise until the dough doubles in size, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Step 5: Shape the Rolls. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 20 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Cover again and let rise for an additional 45 to 60 minutes, until puffy.
- Step 6: Bake and Brush with Butter. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately brush the tops with melted butter for a perfect, soft, and shiny finish that makes these truly the best dinner rolls you can bake at home. Serve them with our homemade chicken stroganoff to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Expert Tips
- Check Your Yeast Freshness: Always check the expiration date on your active dry yeast. Expired yeast won't activate properly, and your rolls won't rise as they should.
- Warm Liquids Matter: Use a kitchen thermometer to make sure your milk and water are at the right temperature, around 110°F for milk and slightly warmer for water, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Add Flour Slowly: Mix in one cup at a time, letting it fully incorporate before adding more. This keeps the rolls soft instead of dry.
- Let the Dough Rise Fully: Give your dough the time it needs to double in size during both rises. Rushing this step will lead to smaller, less tender rolls.
- Make Even-Sized Rolls: Dividing the dough into equal portions ensures all the rolls bake evenly.
Serving Suggestions
- These soft, buttery rolls are perfect alongside a hearty smoked meatloaf or creamy ranch chicken for a weeknight or Sunday family dinner.
- Bring a basket of warm rolls to a potluck and pair them with smoked baby back ribs for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- For a quick, cozy lunch, enjoy them with a hot bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. These rolls freeze well. Once complCetely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or wrap them in foil and heat in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes until soft and heated through.
FAQ
Yes! You can mix the dough by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon and then knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
If your rolls didn't rise, the yeast may have expired, the liquid was too hot or too cold, or the dough was placed in a drafty, cool area. Make sure to proof your yeast first and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot.
Cover them with a clean kitchen towel immediately after baking to trap the steam, which keeps the rolls fluffy and tender.
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring the dough to room temperature, shape the rolls, let them rise a second time, and bake as directed.
More Delicious Bread Recipes
We would love it if you would leave a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below. Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Share your favorite recipes or ask questions in my Facebook Group.
Easy Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons salted butter room temperature
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk warmed
- 4½-5 cups flour
- ¼ cup warm water
Butter for Baking Rolls
- 8 tablespoons melted butter 4 tbsp for the bottom of the pan, and 4 tbsp to brush on top of the baked rolls.
Instructions
- Add warm water, yeast, and 2 tbsp of sugar to a small bowl. Set aside and wait for the yeast to proof (or bubble). This will take 5-10 minutes.
- Using your stand mixer with the whisk attachment, mix together the butter and sugar until creamy. Next, add the milk, eggs, and salt, and mix until well combined. Now, add the yeast mixture.
- Switch the attachment to the dough hook. While the mixer is on low, slowly add 1 cup of flour at a time, mixing well between each cup. Mix the dough for 4-5 until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and starts to form a ball. Be careful not to add too much flour.
- Cover the bowl using either a clean dish towel or plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray. Set aside and let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Melt 4 tbsp of the additional butter in the microwave in 10-second intervals until the butter is completely melted. Pour the butter evenly onto the bottom of the line baking sheet.
- Roll the dough into 20 evenly sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with a towel and set aside for another 45-60 minutes or until rolls have risen.
- Uncover and bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes or until they turn slightly golden brown. Melt the remaining 4 tbsp of butter and brush it on top of the warm rolls.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Check that your yeast is fresh and bubbly before adding it to the dough for the best rise.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size for a light, fluffy texture.
- Brush the warm rolls with melted butter right after baking for extra flavor and a golden finish.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Leave a Reply