These soft dinner rolls are fluffy little clouds of goodness! Made with simple ingredients, they are perfect for any meal or just for snacking.
Trust me, once you pull these from the oven, the smell is irresistible. I can never eat just one; they’re perfect with butter or as mini sandwich bases. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This flour is your go-to for soft rolls. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum for the best results!
Active dry yeast: If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead, simply add it directly to the dry ingredients. Save a bit of time by skipping the activation step!
Warm milk: If dairy is not your thing, feel free to substitute with almond milk or oat milk. Just ensure they’re warm, not hot, before mixing!
Granulated sugar: You can use brown sugar, which adds a hint of molasses flavor, or even honey as a natural sweetener. Keep in mind that honey may alter the dough’s texture slightly.
Unsalted butter: If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. It works well without losing that soft texture!
How Do I Get My Rolls to Rise Perfectly?
The secret to fluffy dinner rolls lies in the rising process. First, create a warm environment for the dough. You can turn your oven on for just a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and active for maximum rising power!
- Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
- Don’t skip allowing the dough to rise until it has roughly doubled in size; this creates that airy texture!
How to Make Soft Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
For Topping:
- Additional melted butter for brushing on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 3 hours in total. You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation, 1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise, 30-45 minutes for the second rise, and about 15-18 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to allow time for the rolls to cool slightly before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
Start by pouring your warm milk into a small bowl and adding the granulated sugar. Stir it gently, then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that your yeast is active and ready to use!
2. Mix Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and melted butter, then mix in the foamy yeast mixture. Pour these wet ingredients into the bowl with the flour mixture and stir until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to make this process easier!
4. First Rise:
Lightly grease a clean bowl, place the kneaded dough inside, and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the magic of yeast at work!
5. Shape Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place these balls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan for the next rise.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the balls of dough again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they look puffy. This step helps build the softness of the rolls!
7. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes until their tops are golden brown and beautifully tempting!
8. Brush with Butter:
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter to add that lovely shiny finish and extra flavor.
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the rolls cool slightly before diving in. Serve them warm, and enjoy with butter, jam, or your favorite spread!
These soft dinner rolls are sure to be a hit at any meal! Their fluffy texture and golden crust will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! However, whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to increase the milk slightly. Start with 3 to 4 tablespoons more milk to achieve the right dough consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and let it rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, shape and let the rolls rise again before baking.
What If My Rolls Are Too Dense?
If your rolls turned out dense, it might be due to not kneading enough or not allowing them to rise sufficiently. Make sure to knead until smooth and elastic, and give the dough plenty of time to rise until it doubles in size!