Heavenly Soft & Buttery Dinner Rolls Recipe

These heavenly soft and buttery dinner rolls are a perfect companion to any meal. Their tender crumb and rich flavor make them irresistible straight from the oven. Whether for a family dinner or special occasion, these rolls will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, honey (if using), and the yeast mixture. Crack in the eggs and begin mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time.
4. Step 4: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough to release air. Divide into 12 (large) or 16 (small) equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or lined sheet, close together.
6. Step 6: Cover rolls with a towel and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until doubled.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Step 8: Brush the tops lightly with melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and brush again with melted butter. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or fresh herbs to the dough before kneading.
• Swap whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier taste and even softer texture.
• Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead if you want to save time and effort.
• For a slightly sweeter roll, increase the sugar by a tablespoon or two.

Storage

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to dissolve active dry yeast in warm water or milk first and let it proof for about 5-10 minutes before mixing into the flour. Instant yeast can be mixed directly.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast, cold temperature, or too much salt. Ensure your milk is warm enough and fresh yeast is used. Placing the dough in a warmer spot can help encourage rising.

Heavenly Soft & Buttery Dinner Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

These Heavenly Soft & Buttery Dinner Rolls are perfectly tender, fluffy, and richly buttery. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, butter, and milk, this recipe guides you through an easy kneading and rising process to yield golden-brown rolls with a delicate crumb. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, these dinner rolls are best enjoyed warm with butter or jam.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 12–16 rolls 1x
• Category: Bread/Dinner Rolls
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy; this indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, honey if using, and the frothy yeast mixture. Crack in the eggs and begin mixing until a soft dough starts to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the right consistency.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal portions for large rolls or 16 for smaller ones. Shape each portion into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and place them side by side in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.
7. Preheat the Oven: While the rolls undergo the second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake: Brush the tops lightly with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are beautifully golden brown on top.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately brush the rolls again with melted butter to enhance softness and flavor. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving.
10. Enjoy: These dinner rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven, accompanied by butter or your favorite jam for a comforting treat.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warmed to about 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• For softer rolls, brush with melted butter immediately after baking.
• Honey is optional but adds a subtle sweetness that enhances flavor.
• Adjust flour quantity as needed during kneading to prevent sticky dough.
• Keep the dough covered during rises to avoid drying out the surface.
• These rolls freeze well once baked; reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: soft dinner rolls, homemade rolls, buttery bread, yeast rolls, easy bread recipe, baking bread