Soft Dinner Rolls – The Secret to Fluffy, Buttery Bread
If there’s one recipe that instantly makes me feel like home, it’s Soft Dinner Rolls. The smell of fresh bread baking in the oven, that first bite into a warm, pillowy roll, and the way everyone at the table fights for “just one more”—it’s pure magic. I still remember my grandmother pulling out trays of golden rolls every Sunday, brushing them with melted butter while we waited (impatiently!) at the table.
And the truth is: once you try homemade rolls, store-bought bread just doesn’t compare. Luckily, these rolls aren’t complicated at all. They’re light, fluffy, and rich in buttery flavor, but still simple enough for beginners. Whether you’re baking them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just to serve alongside soup on a chilly evening, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.
Let’s dive in and make the best Soft Dinner Rolls together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for the ultimate Soft Dinner Rolls:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – gives structure. You can also use bread flour for extra chewiness.
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet) – helps the rolls rise and get fluffy.
- 1 cup warm milk – the warmth activates the yeast; use plant-based milk if making dairy-free.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – just enough sweetness to feed the yeast and balance flavor.
- 1 tsp salt – enhances all the flavors.
- 1 large egg – makes the rolls tender and adds richness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – buttery goodness in every bite.
Optional (but recommended):
- Extra melted butter for brushing after baking.
- Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for topping.
Substitution ideas:
- Vegan: Use almond milk or oat milk + vegan butter. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Gluten-free: Swap in a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking.
- Low sugar: Reduce sugar to 2 tbsp (yeast still needs some food!).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for foolproof Soft Dinner Rolls:
1. Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F) with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive, and you’ll need a new packet.
2. Make the dough
Add the egg, melted butter, salt, and 3 ½ cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is soft and slightly sticky but pulls away from the bowl.
3. Knead the dough
Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium-low for 5 minutes.)
4. First rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the rolls
Punch down the dough, then divide it into 12–15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them evenly on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or 9×13 pan.
6. Second rise
Cover the rolls again and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy. This step ensures extra softness.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Butter finish
While still warm, brush the tops with melted butter for that irresistible glossy finish.
Extra Tips for Perfect Soft Dinner Rolls
- Serving suggestions: Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam. They also make the best little sliders for leftover turkey, ham, or pulled pork.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh.
- Freezing: Freeze baked rolls in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
- Variations:
- Add garlic butter and parmesan for garlic rolls.
- Brush with honey butter for sweet rolls.
- Sprinkle seeds or herbs before baking for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approx.)
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
(Source: The East Coast Kitchen)
FAQ About Soft Dinner Rolls
How long does it take to make these rolls?
From start to finish, about 2 ½ hours, including rising and baking time.
Can I substitute the milk?
Yes! You can use water or any plant-based milk, but milk gives a richer, softer texture.
Can I freeze Soft Dinner Rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking and cooling. Just reheat before serving.
Do I need a stand mixer?
Nope! You can knead by hand—it just takes a little muscle and patience.
Why are my rolls dense?
Usually, this means your yeast wasn’t active, or the dough didn’t rise long enough. Make sure your yeast is fresh and water is warm (not hot).
Conclusion
There you have it—fluffy, buttery, homemade Soft Dinner Rolls that will win over everyone at your table. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these rolls bring warmth, comfort, and a little bit of nostalgia to every bite.
So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bake a batch today. Trust me—once you see how easy (and delicious!) they are, you’ll never want to buy store-bought rolls again.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Drop a comment below, share a picture, or tag me on social media. Let’s spread the joy of homemade bread together!