Soft and Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These soft and golden dinner rolls are a perfect addition to any meal. Fluffy on the inside and beautifully browned on top, they’re simple to make and sure to impress. Baking your own rolls at home is easier than you think!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• 1-1/4 teaspoons salt
• 4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine sugar, yeast, salt, and 2 cups of flour. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, and butter until the mixture reaches 120° to 130°F. Carefully add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for three minutes.
2. Step 2: Add two of the eggs to the mixture and beat on high speed for two minutes. Gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to create a soft dough—it will still be sticky at this point.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for six to eight minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the top. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Step 4: Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 24 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Arrange the dough balls in two greased 13×9-inch baking pans. Cover with towels and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly brush the rolls with the remaining beaten egg to give them a golden sheen. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the rolls are golden brown. Remove from pans and cool on wire racks for a few minutes before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• If your kitchen is cool, proof the dough in your oven with the light turned on to keep it warm—just don’t turn the oven on during proofing.
• For extra flavor, brush the finished rolls with melted butter instead of egg wash.
• Try adding herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist.
• If you prefer softer crusts, cover the rolls with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them longer, freeze the cooled rolls in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil to retain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole milk instead of 2% milk?

Yes, whole milk works just as well and may add a slightly richer taste, but 2% milk is perfect for tender rolls.

What if I don’t have a kitchen thermometer for the milk mixture?

The milk should feel warm to the touch but not hot—aim for a temperature that’s comfortable on your wrist (around 120° to 130°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.

Soft and Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 127 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 24 dinner rolls 1x

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Description

Soft and fluffy homemade dinner rolls with a golden crust, perfect for complementing any meal. These classic yeast rolls are slightly sweet, enriched with butter and eggs, and brushed with egg wash for a beautiful shiny finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• 1–1/4 teaspoons salt
• 4–1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Start the dough: In a large bowl, combine sugar, yeast, salt, and 2 cups of flour. In a small saucepan, heat milk, water, and butter to 120° to 130°F. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for three minutes to activate the yeast and combine the ingredients.
2. Add the eggs: Add two of the eggs to the mixture and beat on high speed for two minutes. Then stir in enough of the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. The dough will be sticky at this stage.
3. Knead and proof the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. If your kitchen is cool, you can proof the dough in the oven with it turned off.
4. Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough and place it on a floured surface. Divide into 24 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Arrange the dough balls in two greased 13×9-inch baking pans. Cover the pans with kitchen towels and allow the rolls to rise again until doubled in size, approximately 30 minutes.
5. Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly beat the remaining egg and brush it over the rolls to give them a shiny, golden finish. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown. Remove from the pans and cool slightly on wire racks. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the milk mixture is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast; ideal temperature is between 120° to 130°F.
• Proofing in a warm, draft-free environment ensures the dough rises properly.
• Brushing the rolls with egg wash gives them an attractive golden and glossy finish.
• You can freeze the shaped rolls after the second rise and bake them later by thawing and baking as directed.
• Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification and dough texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: dinner rolls, homemade bread, yeast rolls, soft rolls, baking, bread recipe