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Dinner Rolls

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Second rise: Cover the shaped rolls lightly and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
  7. 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

Keywords: dinner rolls, soft rolls, homemade rolls, bread, baking, side dish