Quick Description
These Soft & Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender with a golden, glossy buttery top. They’re classic comfort rolls — perfect for everyday dinners, holidays, sliders, or simply served warm with butter.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 55 minutes
Ingredients List
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (not hot, about 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Make the Dough
Add melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups flour to the yeast mixture.
Mix until combined.
Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
3️⃣ Knead
Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
4️⃣ First Rise
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour–1 hour 15 minutes, or until doubled in size.
5️⃣ Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
Place rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or round pan, leaving a little space between them.
6️⃣ Second Rise
Cover and let rolls rise again for 15–20 minutes, until puffy.
7️⃣ Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake rolls for 18–22 minutes, or until tops are golden brown.
8️⃣ Butter & Serve
Immediately brush hot rolls with melted butter.
Cool slightly and serve warm.
Why These Rolls Are So Soft
- Warm milk and sugar feed the yeast perfectly
- Butter and egg create a rich, tender crumb
- Proper kneading develops structure without toughness
- Brushing butter after baking locks in moisture
Flavor Variations
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Mix garlic powder into melted butter
- Honey Rolls: Replace half the sugar with honey
- Herb Rolls: Add dried herbs to the dough
- Slider Rolls: Shape smaller rolls for sandwiches
Serving Suggestions
- With soups, stews, or pasta
- As slider buns
- For holiday dinners
- Toasted with jam or honey butter
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Room Temperature: Store in airtight container up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days (reheat before serving)
- Freezer: Freeze baked rolls up to 2 months
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. After the first rise, shape rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use active dry yeast instead?
Yes. Activate it in warm milk for 10 minutes before proceeding.
