Quick Description:

These Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. With a golden, buttery top and an incredibly soft interior, these rolls are irresistible. Warm from the oven and slathered with butter, theyโ€™ll melt in your mouth and leave you craving more. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday dinners!


Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 12 rolls
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Rise Time: 1 hour (for dough to rise)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients List

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ยผ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 ยฝ cups warm milk (110ยฐF)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for brushing the rolls)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. Combine Yeast and Sugar:
    • In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and granulated sugar.
    • Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesnโ€™t froth, the yeast may be expired or the milk too hot or cold.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients:
    • Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the flour. Mix until combined, then knead the dough either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

  1. First Rise:
    • Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough in it. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
    • Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

  1. Prepare the Pan:
    • Grease a 9ร—13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Shape the Rolls:
    • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
    • Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place it in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the rolls so they are touching each other.

Step 5: Second Rise

  1. Let the Rolls Rise Again:
    • Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes, or until puffed up and touching.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
  2. Bake:
    • Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Butter the Rolls

  1. Brush with Butter:
    • As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops with the melted butter for a shiny, rich finish.
  2. Serve:
    • Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, honey, or your favorite spread!

Additional Notes

  • Storage:
    Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF for 5 minutes to bring them back to life.
  • Freezing:
    You can freeze the rolls before or after baking. To freeze before baking, place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise for about 1 hour before baking as directed. If freezing after baking, store the cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Flavored Butter:
    For a twist, make garlic butter, herb butter, or cinnamon sugar butter to serve with these rolls.

Dietary Info

  • Vegetarian: These rolls are naturally vegetarian.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a non-dairy butter substitute and use non-dairy milk to make these rolls dairy-free.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Add-Ins:
    • Incorporate shredded cheese, herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even garlic into the dough for a savory version.
    • For a sweet variation, add a bit of cinnamon and sugar to the dough and top with a glaze.
  • Perfect Pairing:
    These rolls are the perfect side for soups, stews, or roasts. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or as a complement to a holiday feast!

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Storage:
    Store the leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to restore their soft texture.
  • Make-Ahead Tip:
    Make the dough the day before and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to rise in the morning and bake the rolls fresh for dinner.

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, the rolls may be a little denser.

Q: Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
A: Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Q: Can I make smaller rolls?
A: Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions (e.g., 16 rolls) for mini-sized rolls. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.


Call-to-Action

โ€œCraving the perfect dinner rolls for your next meal? These Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls will be a hit with your family! Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Donโ€™t forget to share a picture by tagging #FluffyDinnerRolls!