How to Bake Perfect Soft Dinner Rolls

December 3, 2024

Ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread? These soft, fluffy dinner rolls are pure magic! Whether it's a holiday feast or a weeknight treat, they're the perfect addition to any meal. Let's roll up our sleeves and bake some bread bliss together!

4.5 out of 5 (2 ratings)

There’s something utterly magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen—it’s warm, inviting, and downright comforting. Today, we’re diving into the world of perfect soft dinner rolls. These little golden clouds of happiness are the ultimate dinner table MVPs. Whether you’re hosting a cozy holiday gathering or just treating yourself on a regular Tuesday night, these rolls will make any meal feel extra special. Trust me; your taste buds (and your nose) are about to throw a standing ovation!

How to Bake Perfect Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

What makes these dinner rolls truly unforgettable? It’s all about the fluff! The secret lies in a delicate balance of ingredients like a touch of milk for tenderness, a little butter for richness, and just enough sugar for a hint of sweetness. Did I mention the magic of yeast? Watching the dough puff up while it rises is like witnessing bread’s version of a glow-up. The technique here is straightforward—knead patiently, let it rise without rush, and bake until golden perfection. These aren’t just rolls; they’re tiny bread miracles.

But hey, let’s talk tips because I want you to absolutely nail this! First, ensure your water or milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast; think of it like bathwater for your bread buddy—not too steamy. Second, don’t rush the rising process. Good things take time, and these rolls are worth the wait. Lastly, brushing the tops with melted butter when they’re fresh out of the oven? Oh, it’s pure magic. That buttery glaze gives them that shiny, golden bakery finish. You’re basically a pro at this point!

So, why wait? Put on your favorite apron and give these soft dinner rolls a whirl. They’re heavenly on their own, but you can serve them alongside a hearty stew, smear them with jam for breakfast, or even turn them into mini sandwich buns. Feeling adventurous? Add herbs like rosemary or even a sprinkle of cheese to the dough before baking. Just think of all the delicious possibilities! Your dinner table is about to get a flavor upgrade, and you’re leading the charge.

Keywords: soft dinner rolls recipe, homemade dinner rolls from scratch, best fluffy dinner rolls, easy bread baking tips, perfect yeast dinner rolls, soft buttery rolls baking, homemade rolls for beginners

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

•3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
•1/4 cup granulated sugar
•1 teaspoon salt
•2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
•1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
•1/4 cup water, warmed
•1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
•1 large egg
•Extra melted butter for brushing

Instructions

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2
Add the warmed milk, water, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
3
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is soft, slightly sticky, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6
Punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
7
Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
8
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9
Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
10
Remove the rolls from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter for a soft and glossy finish.
11
Serve warm and enjoy.

Nutrition Information

Calories

160 calories per roll

Protein

Carbs

27g

Fat

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you'll need to activate it first. Dissolve the yeast in the warmed milk and water (around 110°F or 43°C) along with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, then proceed with the recipe as written.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for whole milk?

A: You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk, almond milk, or oat milk for a similar texture, though the rolls may be slightly less rich. If using plant-based milk, choose an unsweetened variety to avoid altering the flavor of the rolls.

Q: Why is my dough too sticky to handle?

A: A slightly sticky dough is normal, but if it’s excessively sticky, it may need more flour. Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is soft and manageable. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can result in dense rolls.

Q: How can I make these rolls ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the dough through the first rise, shape the rolls, and arrange them in the baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise until puffy (about 1 hour) before baking.

Q: What should I do if my rolls don’t rise properly?

A: If your rolls don’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or a cool environment. Ensure your yeast isn’t expired, and try placing the dough in a warm spot, such as near a preheated oven or in a turned-off oven with the light on. If using active dry yeast, make sure it was properly activated before adding it to the dough.

Q: Can I freeze these dinner rolls?

A: Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped, unbaked dough balls and bake them fresh after thawing and proofing.

Q: How can I add flavor variations to the rolls?

A: You can add herbs, garlic powder, or shredded cheese to the dough for a savory twist. For a sweet variation, mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon and a handful of raisins. Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky sea salt before baking for added texture and flavor.

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 Bake Perfect Soft Dinner Rolls" in the DigiDish app to get started!

More Recipes You'll Love

Grilled Nectarine Caprese with Honey Lime Drizzle and Basil Spinach Pesto

Get ready to wow your taste buds! This Grilled Nectarine Caprese is a fresh twist on a classic, pairing smoky-sweet nect...

Grilled Lemon Herb Halibut with Wild Arugula Salad and Toasted Pine Nut Vinaigrette

Fire up those taste buds because this grilled lemon herb halibut is a flavor fiesta you don’t want to miss! Paired with ...

Savory Coconut Kale and Lentil Bowl with Crispy Garlic Chips

Ready to bowl over your taste buds? This Savory Coconut Kale and Lentil Bowl is a hearty, flavor-packed meal topped with...

Spicy Honey Lime Tofu Skewers with Grilled Pineapple and Cilantro Dust

Ready to fire up the grill? These Spicy Honey Lime Tofu Skewers are a flavor explosion! Sweet grilled pineapple meets ze...

Crispy Chickpea Cakes with Sumac Yogurt and Herb Citrus Salad

Get ready to dazzle your taste buds! These crispy chickpea cakes are golden perfection, paired with tangy sumac yogurt a...