Easy Dinner Rolls

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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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. 

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.

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