Dinner Rolls
Master the art of soft, fluffy, and golden dinner rolls with this easy and foolproof recipe. Perfect for any meal or occasion, these rolls feature a tender crumb and irresistible pull-apart softness achieved through a special blend of milk and butter.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12-16 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten
Main Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Activate the yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F, then whisk in the sugar and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add softened butter, beaten egg, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead on a floured surface if needed until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing the gluten needed for a fluffy texture.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide into 12-16 equal portions, shape each into a smooth ball, and place them in a greased baking dish either close together for soft sides or spaced apart for crustier edges.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped rolls lightly and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 15-18 minutes until golden brown on top. For extra softness, brush tops with melted butter immediately after baking.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for a stronger rise and better texture.
- Avoid adding too much flour during kneading to prevent dense rolls.
- Let rolls rise in a warm environment (75-85°F) for optimal proofing.
- Brushing rolls with butter after baking enhances softness and flavor.
- Handle dough gently after the first rise to preserve air pockets for fluffiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: dinner rolls, soft rolls, homemade rolls, bread, baking, side dish