These soft dinner rolls are warm, fluffy, and perfect for any meal! Easy to make, they fill your kitchen with a wonderful smell that makes everyone eager to eat.
There’s nothing like pulling these rolls fresh out of the oven and slathering them with butter. Just try not to eat them all at once—it’s a challenge for sure! 😄
I love serving these rolls with soup or salad. They’re even great for breakfast with a little jam. They come together quickly, making them a favorite in my house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Milk: Using warm milk activates the yeast effectively. If you prefer a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk can work as a substitute. Just warm it up a bit before using!
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for the rolls to rise. If you’re out, you can substitute it with instant yeast; just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar helps the yeast ferment and adds a touch of sweetness. If needed, you can use honey or agave syrup in a 1:1 ratio instead.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter for better control of the saltiness. If you’re lactose intolerant, coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine works well too.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure to the rolls. You can replace part of it with whole wheat flour for a more nutty flavor, keeping an eye on the liquid proportions.
Why Is Kneading So Important?
Kneading is vital for developing the gluten that gives the rolls their soft texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Press the dough with the palms of your hands, folding it over itself as you go.
- Turn the dough slightly after each fold. Continue this for about 8-10 minutes until it’s soft and smooth.
- Lightly tacky is fine, but if it’s too sticky, add a dusting of flour.
Taking your time with kneading will make a noticeable difference in the final product. Trust me, this step is key to achieving those fluffy rolls everyone loves!
Soft Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one 0.25-oz packet)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling on top (optional)
- Melted butter, for brushing rolls after baking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe typically takes about 20 minutes of hands-on preparation time, plus 2 hours total for the rising and baking processes. You’ll spend the majority of your time letting the dough rise, which means you can relax while awaiting those wonderfully soft rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy. This step proves that the yeast is alive and ready to help your rolls rise!
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, and egg until everything is well combined. This is where the flavor begins to develop!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add the yeast mixture into the butter mixture and stir until blended. You want all those lovely flavors to come together!
4. Add Flour:
Gradually add 3 cups of flour, stirring after each addition. Once the dough starts to come together and gets too tough to stir, turn it out onto a floured surface.
5. Knead the Dough:
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, incorporating more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and soft, yet slightly tacky. This will give your rolls that fluffy texture we all love!
6. Let Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Patience is key here!
7. Punch Down the Dough:
Gently punch the dough down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Let’s make some rolls!
8. Shape the Rolls:
Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and pinching them closed at the bottom. This helps create a nice top for each bun!
9. Arrange in Pan:
Arrange the rolls close together in a greased 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking pan. They should be snug but not squished.
10. Second Rise:
Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’re nice and puffy. This is where they really get fluffy!
11. Preheat the Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
12. Prep for Baking:
Just before baking, brush the tops of the rolls lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt if you like a little extra flavor.
13. Bake the Rolls:
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. Keep an eye on them near the end for that perfect golden color!
14. Brush with Butter:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and brush the tops again with melted butter to keep them soft and add delicious flavor.
15. Serve:
Let them cool slightly before serving warm. These rolls are always a hit—enjoy them with butter or with your favorite meal!
Happy baking! These soft, fluffy dinner rolls will surely be the star of your table!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour may require a little more liquid since it absorbs more moisture. Start with 3 cups of whole wheat flour, and adjust with extra warm milk as needed to achieve a soft dough.
How Do I Know If My Yeast Is Active?
If your yeast mixture becomes foamy and bubbly after about 5-10 minutes of sitting in the warm milk, it’s active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired, and it’s best to get a fresh packet.
Can I Make the Dough the Night Before?
Absolutely! After kneading the dough, place it in a greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and allowing it to rise again for baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, then warm them in the oven or microwave.
