This dinner rolls recipe creates perfectly soft, buttery rolls that will become your family’s favorite bread.
Making homemade dinner rolls is easier than you think with just seven simple ingredients and basic techniques.
These fluffy dinner rolls have a tender crumb and golden crust that pairs beautifully with any meal.
I’ve been baking these rolls for my family dinners for over five years, and they never fail to impress guests.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Dinner Rolls
The secret to soft dinner rolls lies in using the right ingredients in proper proportions:
- Whole milk (1 cup) – Creates tender texture and rich flavor
- Instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons) – Provides reliable rise and fluffy texture
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons) – Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness
- Large egg (1) – Adds structure and golden color
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup) – Creates soft, flaky layers
- Salt (1 teaspoon) – Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity
- All-purpose flour (3 cups) – Forms the base structure
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Dinner Rolls
Follow these simple steps to create bakery-quality rolls at home:
- Activate the yeast – Warm milk to 110°F and mix with yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar
- Mix the dough – Combine remaining ingredients in stand mixer bowl
- Knead thoroughly – Beat for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic
- First rise – Let dough double in size for 1-2 hours in warm place
- Shape the rolls – Divide into 14-16 pieces and form smooth balls
- Second rise – Allow shaped rolls to puff up for 1 hour
- Bake to perfection – Cook at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown
Professional Tips for Fluffy Dinner Rolls
These expert techniques ensure consistent results every time:
- Check yeast freshness – Use yeast before expiration date for best rise
- Measure flour correctly – Spoon and level to avoid dense rolls
- Test dough readiness – Perform windowpane test after kneading
- Create warm environment – Place bowl in slightly warm oven for rising
- Don’t overbake – Remove when tops are golden brown
Make-Ahead Options for Busy Schedules
Prepare these versatile rolls to fit your timeline:
- Overnight method – Shape rolls and refrigerate up to 15 hours
- Freezer option – Freeze shaped rolls for up to 3 months
- Partial prep – Complete first rise in refrigerator overnight
- Baked storage – Freeze finished rolls and reheat when needed
I often use the overnight method when hosting dinner parties, shaping the rolls the evening before and letting them rise slowly in the refrigerator.
Creative Flavor Variations
Transform basic dinner rolls with these simple additions:
- Herb dinner rolls – Add 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or mixed herbs
- Cheese rolls – Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic herb rolls – Include garlic powder and dried herbs
- Whole wheat option – Substitute half the flour with whole wheat
- Sweet potato rolls – Replace some flour with mashed sweet potato
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Solve these frequent baking problems:
- Dense texture – Usually caused by too much flour or expired yeast
- Poor rise – Check yeast freshness and dough temperature
- Dry rolls – Don’t overbake and brush with butter while warm
- Uneven browning – Rotate pan halfway through baking time
- Sticky dough – Add flour gradually during kneading process
Serving and Storage Tips
Maximize freshness and presentation:
- Serve warm – Brush with honey butter mixture for extra flavor
- Store properly – Cover tightly at room temperature for 2-3 days
- Reheat gently – Warm in 300°F oven for 10 minutes
- Freeze extras – Wrap individually for easy single servings
- Use leftovers – Perfect for sandwiches and breakfast toast
Why This Recipe Works
This dinner rolls recipe delivers consistent results through proven baking science:
- Rich dough formula – Milk, butter, and eggs create tender texture instead of chewy bread
- Perfect ingredient ratios – Balanced proportions ensure proper structure and softness
- Two-rise method – Develops gluten strength while maintaining light, fluffy crumb
- Tested proportions – After trying dozens of recipes, these ratios work best
- Reliable technique – Simple steps reduce chance of baking failures
These homemade rolls elevate any meal, from casual weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
The simple technique makes fresh bread accessible to home bakers of all skill levels.
Start with this basic recipe, then experiment with flavors once you master the fundamental technique.
Your family will request these soft dinner rolls for every special occasion once they taste the difference homemade bread makes.
Easy Soft Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the dough: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix ingredients: Add remaining sugar, egg, softened butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook, mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then add remaining flour and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until dough pulls away from bowl sides.
- Knead the dough: Continue beating with mixer for 5 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Punch down risen dough and divide into 14-16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange in the prepared pan.
- Second rise: Cover shaped rolls and let rise for about 1 hour until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top, rotating pan halfway through. For optional topping, mix melted butter and honey, then brush over warm rolls.