These soft dinner rolls are fluffy, warm, and perfect for any meal! Their buttery flavor and light texture make them hard to resist. Just imagine pulling them apart fresh from the oven!
Baking these rolls always brightens my day. They are super easy to make and taste amazing with a little butter on top. Trust me, you’ll want to make them every week! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Milk: Using whole milk gives a creamy richness. If dairy-free, almond or oat milk works well, but heat carefully to avoid curdling.
Active Dry Yeast: Ensure yeast is fresh for best results. If you don’t have it, instant yeast can be used without needing to activate it beforehand.
Butter: I use unsalted butter, but salted butter can be used as well. Just reduce the added salt slightly. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
All-Purpose Flour: This is my go-to for dinner rolls, but you can mix in some whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just keep the total flour amount the same.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Soft Rolls?
The key technique for soft rolls is kneading. This develops gluten, which helps the rolls rise and become fluffy. Here’s how to knead with ease:
- Start with a lightly floured surface and turn out the dough. Knead by pressing down with the heel of your hand, then folding the dough over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- If the dough sticks, sprinkle just a little flour, but resist adding too much; it can dry out the rolls.
Remember, rise times can vary, so look for the dough to double in size rather than sticking to the clock. This will ensure soft and fluffy rolls every time!
How to Make Soft Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Additional melted butter for brushing
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time, plus about 2 hours to rise (1 1/2 hours for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second rise). The total time from start to finish is around 2 hours and 20 minutes, but most of this time is just waiting for the dough to rise!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it looks foamy. This means your yeast is working!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until well mixed. Gradually mix in 3 1/2 cups of the flour. Use a wooden spoon or a dough hook if you have a mixer. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is soft but not dry.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a mixer on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
4. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place, like an oven that’s turned off but slightly warmed up, until it doubles in size. This takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
5. Shape the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
6. Second Rise:
Place the dough balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or on a baking sheet with a little space between them. Cover again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
7. Bake the Rolls:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you like, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt before baking. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
8. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with more melted butter for that soft, shiny finish. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your wonderfully soft dinner rolls! They’re perfect alongside any meal, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner. Happy baking!
Can I Substitute the Milk with Non-Dairy Options?
Absolutely! Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can all be used in place of regular milk. Just ensure they are warmed to the same temperature (about 110°F/43°C) before adding the yeast.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
No worries! If your dough feels too sticky, gradually add more flour—about a tablespoon at a time—until it reaches a soft, workable consistency. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the rolls dense.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch it down and shape the rolls. Then, place them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let them come to room temperature and rise again before baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Rolls?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each roll tightly, and they will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
