
Simple Fluffy Dinner Rolls with Butter
Ready to bake up some pillowy perfection? These simple fluffy dinner rolls are the ultimate addition to your table! Soft, buttery, and irresistibly warm, they’re a breeze to make and even easier to devour. Let’s dive into this doughy delight together—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
5.0 out of 5 (3 ratings)

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
- •3 cups all-purpose flour
- •1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- •1 tablespoon sugar
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- •3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- •1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- •1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted for brushing
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- 3
Add the melted butter, warm milk, and the foamy yeast mixture to the flour mixture.
- 4
Stir the dough until it begins to come together, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 5
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- 6
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
- 7
Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes in a warm place until puffy.
- 8
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 9
Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- 10
Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter.
- 11
Let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with additional butter if desired.
Nutrition Information
Calories
150 calories per roll
Protein
4g
Carbs
24g
Fat
4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Since instant yeast does not require proofing, you can skip the step of dissolving it in warm water. Instead, add it directly to the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for all-purpose flour?
A: You can use bread flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Bread flour will result in slightly chewier rolls due to its higher protein content. Avoid using cake flour as it lacks the necessary strength for this recipe.
Q: How do I know if my yeast is still active?
A: When proofing the yeast in warm water, it should become foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes. If this doesn't happen, your yeast may be expired or the water temperature might have been too hot or too cold. Use fresh yeast and ensure the water temperature is around 110°F.
Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch the dough down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature, shape the rolls, and allow them to rise for 30-45 minutes before baking.
Q: What is the best way to store leftover dinner rolls?
A: Store leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until warm.
Q: Why are my rolls not rising properly?
A: If your rolls are not rising, it could be due to inactive yeast, water that was either too hot or too cold, or a cool rising environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh, water is about 110°F, and the dough is placed in a warm spot, such as near a sunny window or in a preheated (but turned off) oven.
Q: How can I add variations to this dinner roll recipe?
A: You can customize these rolls by mixing in chopped fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or roasted garlic to the dough before the first rise. For a sweeter variation, increase the sugar to 3 tablespoons and sprinkle the tops with a cinnamon-sugar mix before baking.
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