If you have been searching for that perfect, pillowy bread to complement any meal or gather your loved ones around the table, this Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. These rolls are impossibly tender, with a golden crust and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a warm hug every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe results in consistently delightful rolls that hold their softness day after day. Get ready for a baking adventure that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and produces rolls so good you’ll be tempted to eat them straight from the pan!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that combine beautifully to create a soft, tender crumb and a lightly sweet, buttery flavor. Each component has an essential role, whether it’s activating the yeast for that perfect rise, enriching the dough, or adding just the right touch of sweetness and salt to balance flavors.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The foundation of the dough that provides structure and chewiness, plus a little extra flour for dusting during kneading.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet, 2 1/4 teaspoons): This magical ingredient helps the dough rise and become soft and airy through fermentation.
- Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F or 43°C): Activates the yeast and adds moisture and richness to the rolls.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Feeds the yeast and contributes a gentle sweetness that enhances flavor without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Enriches the dough for softness and gives a subtle buttery depth.
- Large egg (1): Adds moisture and helps bind the dough while contributing to a tender crumb.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and strengthens the gluten structure for a better rise.
- Butter for brushing (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds shine and an irresistible buttery finish when brushed on warm rolls.
How to Make Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. This combination needs to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready. This step is crucial because active yeast is what will give your rolls their signature fluffy rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to distribute the seasoning evenly. Pour in your foamy yeast mixture, the egg, and melted butter, then stir everything until you have a shaggy dough. It might look rough now, but don’t worry—that’s just the starting point of greatness.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Turn the dough onto a floured surface to knead, working it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook to knead for 5 to 6 minutes. Proper kneading develops the gluten, making the rolls spongy and supple after baking.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place your dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and leave it in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours. The dough should double in size, puffing up visibly as the yeast produces carbon dioxide and creates air pockets that will give your rolls that tender texture.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Gently punch down the risen dough to release excess gas, then divide it into 12 to 15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, taking care to create a taut surface without cracks. Place these balls snugly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, so they will rise upwards and touch, resulting in soft sides.
Step 6: Second Rise for Extra Softness
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they become noticeably puffier. This second rise ensures an even lighter texture when baked and a size that’s just perfect for serving.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes or until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown. The smell of freshly baked bread will start to fill your home, promising a delicious outcome.
Step 8: Butter Them Up
Right after removing the rolls from the oven, brush them generously with melted butter. This finishing touch not only adds a glossy shine but also infuses the rolls with extra richness and flavor while they’re still warm and soft.
How to Serve Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle the rolls with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a light dusting of flaky sea salt before baking. Just after baking, you could also brush them with honey butter or garlic herb butter for added complexity that turns simple dinner rolls into a show-stopping side.
Side Dishes
These rolls are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with classic comfort foods like hearty stews, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted chicken. They soak up gravies and sauces marvelously, making every bite a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe creations in a basket lined with a cozy linen napkin for a homey vibe, or stack them on a tiered stand for a festive dinner. You can even slice them open to create mini sandwich sliders filled with your favorite meats and cheeses for an elevated twist on a classic roll.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. Their soft texture will hold well, so you’ll still enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven feel with each bite.
Freezing
To keep rolls fresh longer, freeze them after baking and cooling completely. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and reheat gently.
Reheating
Warm your rolls in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes wrapped in foil. Brushing with a little extra melted butter before reheating will revive their soft, buttery magic.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind it may result in a denser roll. For a lighter texture closer to the original recipe, try using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.
How can I tell if the yeast is still good?
If your yeast mixture doesn’t become foamy after 10 minutes in warm milk and sugar, the yeast might be expired or inactive. It’s best to start fresh with a new packet to ensure proper rising.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! After the first rise, punch down the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and allowing the second rise. This can enhance flavor and make your baking schedule more flexible.
Why are my rolls not soft enough?
Make sure you knead the dough properly to develop gluten and allow the dough sufficient rising time so it doubles in size. Also, brushing the rolls with melted butter right after baking helps keep them wonderfully soft.
Can I add herbs or cheese to this recipe?
Definitely! Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough, or sprinkle shredded cheese on top before baking. These additions make the dinner rolls even more flavorful and unique.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like pulling warm, golden dinner rolls fresh from the oven, especially when you know exactly what went into making them. This Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe is a comforting, delightful staple that brings joy and deliciousness to any meal. So go ahead and try it—your family and friends will thank you, and you just might find yourself baking these again and again!
Print
Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls are the perfect homemade bread option to complement any meal. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, milk, and butter, these rolls are delightfully light, tender, and buttery. They feature a soft crumb and a golden crust, achieved through a double rise and a quick bake in the oven. Ideal for family dinners, holiday feasts, or any occasion that calls for warm, fresh bread.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms that begins to come together.
- Knead: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead the dough for 5–6 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide the dough evenly into 12 to 15 pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth round ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between rolls.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls again and allow them to rise for 30 to 45 minutes until they become puffy and nearly double in size.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls in the preheated oven 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 the melted butter to add shine and extra softness. Serve the rolls warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use warm milk around 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If you don’t have unsalted butter, use salted butter and reduce the added salt slightly.
- Ensure the dough is kneaded well to develop gluten for a soft and fluffy texture.
- You can store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage.
- Reheat rolls in a warm oven or microwave before serving to restore softness.
