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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
