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Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls

fluffy homemade dinner rolls - featured image

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls with a perfect golden crust, easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. Ideal for any occasion, these rolls offer comforting texture and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • Additional melted butter for brushing tops after baking (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add softened butter, warmed milk, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer on medium speed for about 6 minutes.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the rolls: Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces (about 3 oz / 85 g each), shape into smooth balls, and place close together on a greased baking sheet or round pan.
  6. Second rise: Cover shaped rolls and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly.
  8. Finish with butter: Remove rolls from oven and immediately brush with melted butter. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use warm water about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until smooth and elastic but not sticky. Let dough rise fully for best fluffiness. Brushing with melted butter after baking adds shine and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives. You can add herbs or garlic powder to butter for a savory twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: dinner rolls, homemade bread, fluffy rolls, easy bread recipe, golden crust rolls, yeast rolls, soft bread