How to Make Fluffy Dinner Rolls

December 1, 2024

Get ready to bake the fluffiest, pillow-soft dinner rolls ever! These golden beauties are easier than you think and will have your kitchen smelling like pure heaven. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, let’s roll into deliciousness together!

5.0 out of 5 (1 rating)

Get ready to channel your inner bread artist because today we’re talking about the fluffiest, most irresistible dinner rolls you’ve ever tasted! Picture this: golden-brown, pillowy-soft rolls that practically melt in your mouth and have your whole kitchen smelling like a bakery wonderland. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, bringing a side dish to a potluck, or just need an excuse to bake something incredible, these dinner rolls are here to steal the show. Trust me, friends, this is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like an absolute rockstar in the kitchen.

What makes these dinner rolls extra special? It’s all in the combination of the ingredients and a few easy techniques! A touch of milk adds richness, and a little bit of honey provides just the right amount of sweetness without making them overly sugary. The secret hero here is dry yeast, which gives the rolls their magical rise, transforming humble dough into fluffy clouds of bread bliss. Oh, and let’s not forget the shiny butter-brushed tops—because if we’re making dinner rolls, we might as well make them GLOW with buttery goodness. These rolls are everything you love about comfort food, rolled (pun intended) into one perfect bite.

Now, let’s talk tips, because a little know-how goes a long way. First, let your yeast have a little party in warm water before adding it to the dough—it loves cozy temperatures but won’t thrive in water that’s too hot or cold. When it comes to kneading, don’t be shy! The dough should be smooth and elastic, but not sticky. And if you’re short on time, here’s a pro tip: let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (just turn it off after preheating for a minute or two!). This cozy environment speeds up the rise and ensures your rolls are as fluffy as a cloud.

There’s nothing quite like pulling fresh dinner rolls out of the oven and watching them disappear as everyone grabs seconds (or thirds!). These rolls are perfect for soaking up gravy, serving alongside hearty soups, or even as a base for mini sandwiches. Feeling a little adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or fresh herbs to the dough for a savory twist, or go sweet with a brush of honey butter. Whatever spin you put on them, I promise these rolls will become a staple in your kitchen. So, dust off that apron and get rolling—you’ve got some seriously delicious bread to bake!

Keywords: how to make dinner rolls, best fluffy dinner rolls recipe, homemade rolls with yeast, easy dinner roll baking tips, soft buttery dinner rolls, fluffy rolls recipe for beginners

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

•4 cups all-purpose flour
•1/4 cup granulated sugar
•2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
•1 teaspoon salt
•1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
•1/4 cup water, warmed
•1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
•1 large egg
•2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for brushing (optional)

Instructions

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2
Add the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg. Mix until combined.
3
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky.
4
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
6
Punch down the dough to release air and divide it into 12 equal portions.
7
Shape each portion into a ball and place onto a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or a lined baking sheet.
8
Cover with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
9
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
10
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
11
Brush the warm rolls with melted butter, if desired, and serve.

Nutrition Information

Calories

170 calories per roll

Protein

Carbs

26g

Fat

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

A: Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but it needs to be activated first. Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk (not exceeding 110°F/43°C) along with the sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, then proceed with the recipe as written.

Q: What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?

A: If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast, low room temperature, or using liquids that are too hot or too cold. Ensure the yeast is fresh and check that the milk and water are between 100-110°F (37-43°C). If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a warm spot, such as near a slightly preheated oven or in a turned-off microwave with a cup of hot water.

Q: Can I substitute whole milk with a non-dairy alternative?

A: Yes, you can use non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk as a substitute for whole milk. Make sure the non-dairy milk is unsweetened and warmed to the appropriate temperature (100-110°F) for activating the yeast.

Q: How should I store leftover rolls?

A: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

Q: Can I freeze the rolls for later?

A: Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped dough balls before the second rise and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

A: Dense rolls can result from overworking or under-kneading the dough, using too much flour, or not allowing the dough to rise properly. Ensure the dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic, use just enough flour to make the dough soft but not sticky, and allow adequate rising time for the yeast to create air pockets.

Q: Can I add flavors or toppings to these rolls?

A: Absolutely! You can mix in herbs like rosemary or garlic powder for savory rolls, or cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg for sweet rolls. As a topping, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded cheese before baking. For a sweet finish, brush the rolls with honey butter after baking.

Make This Recipe Your Own

AI Chef Assistant

Get real-time cooking guidance and ingredient substitution tips from our AI chef

Smart Scaling

Instantly adjust serving sizes and quantities to match your needs

Ingredient Swaps

Customize recipes with AI-powered ingredient alternatives and substitutions

Search for "How to Make Fluffy Dinner Rolls" in the DigiDish app to get started!

More Recipes You'll Love

Crispy Halloumi Bites with Watermelon Basil Salsa

Ready to wow your taste buds? These Crispy Halloumi Bites are golden, salty perfection, paired with a refreshing Waterme...

Grilled Eggplant and Chickpea Stuffed Flatbreads with Zahtar Herb Yogurt

Ready to spice up dinner? These grilled eggplant and chickpea stuffed flatbreads are pure joy wrapped in warm, toasty go...

Spiced Plum and Ginger Chutney with Toasted Cardamom Flatbread

Brace yourself for a flavor-packed adventure! This Spiced Plum and Ginger Chutney is sweet, tangy, and perfectly cozy, p...

Grilled Summer Squash Skewers with Lemon Tahini Drizzle and Fresh Mint Sprinkle

Fire up the grill and let’s celebrate summer with these vibrant squash skewers! Smoky, tender veggies meet a zesty lemon...

Crispy Sesame Quinoa Patties with Ginger Lime Dipping Sauce

Ready to turn humble quinoa into something extraordinary? These crispy sesame quinoa patties are crunchy, flavorful bite...