These soft dinner rolls are fluffy, warm, and perfect for any meal! With a light buttery flavor, they’re wonderful alongside soup or as a sandwich base.
There’s something special about pulling apart a fresh roll! They vanish quickly at our dinner table. I love slathering mine with butter while they’re still warm—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, I find it gives the rolls that lovely soft texture. You can use bread flour for a chewier result or a gluten-free blend if needed.
Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes the rolls rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that without letting it bloom first; just mix it in with the flour.
Warm Milk: It’s important to activate the yeast. You could substitute with almond milk or any other non-dairy milk. Just make sure it’s warm, not hot!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps brown the rolls. Honey or maple syrup work as natural substitutes, but start with a little less because they’re sweeter.
Unsalted Butter: I love using real butter for flavor! If you need a dairy-free option, a good quality margarine or coconut oil can work.
How Do You Knead Dough for the Perfect Soft Rolls?
Kneading is key to developing gluten, which gives the rolls their soft and airy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking. Turn out the dough and flatten it slightly.
- Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you.
- Fold the dough over on itself, then give it a quarter turn and repeat.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, add a bit more flour, but avoid over-flouring!
Let the dough rest a little if it feels too tough—this helps with the elasticity. Happy kneading!
Soft Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Optional: coarse salt for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 2 hours total, including rising time, before baking. After baking, the rolls will also need a few minutes to cool. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 20 minutes to have these golden, fluffy dinner rolls ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk along with a pinch of sugar. Give it a little stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together 3 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. This is the base for your rolls!
3. Make the Dough:
Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and the egg into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough seems sticky, add the remaining flour a little at a time until you have a tacky but workable dough.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can sprinkle a little flour if it’s too sticky, but try not to overdo it!
5. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size—this usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
6. Shape the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 2 ounces each) and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
7. Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Place the shaped dough balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll so they can expand.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the dish loosely and let the rolls rise again until they are puffy and nearly doubled in size, around 30-45 minutes.
9. Preheat the Oven:
About 10 minutes before the rolls are ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake the Rolls:
Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped lightly.
11. Add Some Butter:
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter to give them a lovely shine and extra flavor.
12. Optional Touch:
If you like, sprinkle a tiny bit of coarse salt on top while the butter is still warm for an extra flavor boost!
13. Enjoy Your Rolls!
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with a spread of butter, honey, or along with your favorite meal. Enjoy every fluffy bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Keep in mind that this may yield a denser roll, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be that the yeast is inactive. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk isn’t too hot when you dissolve it. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a warm spot, like an oven with just the light on, to encourage rising.
Can These Rolls Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and complete the first rise. Then, shape the rolls and place them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before baking as directed.
