There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked soft dinner rolls wafting through your kitchen. These pillowy, buttery rolls are a staple for holiday meals, comforting weeknight dinners, or as a satisfying snack any time of the day. This recipe delivers incredibly fluffy and tender dinner rolls with a slightly sweet, rich flavor that complements any dish. Whether you’re pairing them with a warm bowl of soup or using them to mop up savory sauces, these soft dinner rolls are sure to become your favorite go-to recipe. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, even beginner bakers can master the art of making the perfect roll from scratch. Read on to discover how you can bring the comforting charm of bakery-style dinner rolls into your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons softened butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to make your rolls rise beautifully. - Mix the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Use a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment to mix everything together until a sticky dough forms. - Knead the dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for about 5 minutes. Add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much to keep the rolls soft. - First rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. - Shape the rolls
Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, spacing them evenly for a consistent bake. - Second rise
Cover the baking dish loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are nearly touching each other. - Bake the rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, place the dish in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped. - Brush with butter
Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with softened butter. This step adds a delicious buttery finish and keeps the crust soft. - Serve and enjoy
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. These soft dinner rolls are best enjoyed warm and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slightly before serving to restore their softness.