Soft and Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls – Better Than Store-Bought!
There’s something truly magical about the smell of fresh homemade rolls baking in the oven. These soft, fluffy, and buttery dinner rolls are a family favorite, and once you try them, you’ll never go back to store-bought bread. Perfectly golden on the outside and pillow-soft on the inside, they’re ideal for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or even breakfast with coffee or tea.
This is not just any roll recipe—it’s one that creates comfort, warmth, and memories at your table.
Ingredients:
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1¼ cups warm milk (around 100°F or 38°C)
- ¼ cup olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Egg Wash:
- 1 egg white + 2 tablespoons water (for brushing before baking)
For Brushing After Baking:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for flavor and shine)
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by adding the sugar and yeast into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the warm milk and gently mix. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate—you’ll know it’s ready when it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step is essential for getting a perfect rise.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once your yeast is activated, add the olive oil, salt, the whole egg, and the egg yolk. Mix everything together until combined.
Now begin adding the flour, one cup at a time. Mix well between each addition. Once the dough starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for at least 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This slow rise helps develop flavor and gives the rolls a soft, airy texture.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Divide it into 24 equal pieces (you can use a kitchen scale to make them even). Roll each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges under and rolling gently between your palms.
Arrange the balls in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish. Make sure to leave a little space between each one, as they will rise again.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rest for 30 more minutes. During this time, they’ll puff up again, creating the soft, fluffy texture we love in dinner rolls.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg white and water mixture. This will give them a beautifully golden and slightly crisp top.
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when gently tapped.
Step 7: Add the Final Touch
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter. This adds flavor and gives them a glossy, irresistible finish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with soup, stew, or roasted meats.
- Slice them open and spread with butter and jam for a sweet snack.
- Perfect alongside Thanksgiving dinner or any special meal.
Tips for Success:
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot. Too much heat can kill the yeast.
- For extra flavor, you can mix in garlic powder, shredded cheese, or herbs.
- These rolls can be made ahead and frozen. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Rolls:
- Incredibly soft and fluffy Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie
- Easy to make with basic ingredients
- Kid-friendly and great for lunchboxes
- Customizable with sweet or savory additions