Dinner Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden, making them a must-have for any meal. Whether served warm with butter or used to mop up sauces and gravies, these rolls bring comfort and warmth to the table. Their pillowy texture and slight sweetness make them irresistible and ideal for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flouractive dry yeastwarm milkunsalted buttersugarsaltlarge eggs

directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Add softened butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place on a greased baking dish or tray.

Cover and let rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until puffy.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Brush the tops with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven for an extra soft and shiny finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 16 rolls.Preparation time: 20 minutesRising time: 1 hour 30 minutesBaking time: 15-18 minutesTotal time: about 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Add chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herbed version.

Sprinkle with sea salt or sesame seeds before baking for added texture.

Use honey instead of sugar for a richer sweetness.

Shape into knots or braids for a fancier presentation.

storage/reheating

Store dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave briefly.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute with instant yeast; just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

It should double in size and spring back slowly when pressed lightly.

Can I make smaller or larger rolls?

Yes, adjust the size and baking time accordingly.

Why are my rolls dense?

Over-flouring or under-kneading the dough can cause dense rolls. Make sure to knead well and add flour gradually.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or other vegan egg replacer.

Should I grease the baking dish?

Yes, greasing prevents sticking and helps the rolls brown evenly on the bottom.

Can I add cheese?

Yes, shredded cheese can be added to the dough or sprinkled on top before baking.

What kind of milk is best?

Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but you can use any milk, including plant-based options.

Can I use bread flour?

Yes, bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.

Conclusion

Homemade Dinner Rolls are the perfect companion to any meal, offering warmth, softness, and a touch of sweetness in every bite. With a little time and love, you can bake these crowd-pleasers that are sure to be requested again and again. Whether you stick to the classic or add your own twist, these rolls are a true kitchen staple.

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