Name: Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C); 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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If there’s one recipe that brings instant warmth and comfort to any meal, it has to be Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls. These rolls are pillowy, buttery, and baked to golden perfection, making them the highlight of any dinner table. Whether you’re gathering with family for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a little baking magic, you’ll be amazed by how this simple dough transforms into rolls that rival your favorite bakery. Soft, irresistible, and deeply satisfying, Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are always a crowd-pleaser and a go-to in my kitchen.

Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls is refreshingly simple, and each one plays a vital role! From the richness of butter to the tenderness of milk, every component helps elevate the flavor, color, and soft texture that makes these rolls truly unforgettable.

Warm Milk (1 cup, 110°F/45°C): Using milk instead of water gives the rolls wonderful tenderness and subtle richness.
Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons, 1 packet): This is your rising powerhouse—make sure it’s fresh and alive for best results!
Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and lends a gentle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, softened): Brings in buttery goodness, helping to create a super soft crumb.
Large Egg (1): Adds structure and a touch of richness, making the dough supple and light.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and helps bring out the best in your rolls.
All-Purpose Flour (3 to 3 ½ cups): Provides structure—add gradually to get just the right soft, non-sticky dough.
Melted Butter (2 tablespoons, for brushing): Finishes the rolls with irresistible flavor and that shiny golden top.

How to Make Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by combining the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl (or your stand mixer’s bowl). Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for it to get foamy, which is the yeast telling you it’s alive and ready to bake! This step is crucial for that light, airy texture we all crave in Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Salt

Once your yeast is happy and bubbly, mix in the softened butter, the egg, and salt. This is where flavor and richness start building. Don’t worry if the butter is a bit chunky—it will smooth out as you mix and knead.

Step 3: Add Flour Gradually

With a gentle hand (or your trusty dough hook), add the flour one cup at a time. Stop adding when you reach that perfectly soft, slightly tacky dough. If you’re hand-mixing, dive in when it gets too thick, and enjoy the feel of the dough coming together. For Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls, the softness of the dough is key, so avoid over-flouring!

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Knead your dough for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll notice it become smooth, elastic, and oh-so-satisfying to the touch. A stand mixer makes this almost effortless, but kneading by hand is a great way to get a feel for the dough’s transformation. Once it’s silky, you’re ready for the first proof.

Step 5: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and place somewhere warm. Let it rise until doubled in size—about an hour. It’s all about patience here; good things are happening beneath the surface!

Step 6: Divide and Shape

Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 12 equally sized pieces. Gently shape each piece into a smooth ball. Arranging them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish helps the rolls rise beautifully together and gives you those signature pull-apart sides.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover your pan once more and let the shaped rolls rise for another 30 to 40 minutes. They should get puffy, filling the pan and promising that classic billowy result we expect from Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re gloriously golden on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and it’ll be hard to resist sneaking one out early!

Step 9: Brush with Butter

As soon as your rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter. This final flourish seals in moisture, boosts flavor, and delivers that bakery-fresh shine. Let them cool just enough to handle and enjoy your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls warm!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

Bring a little pizzazz to your presentation by sprinkling the tops of your Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls with flaky sea salt or a pinch of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or thyme. This not only adds visual appeal but also gives each roll a subtle, aromatic lift.

Side Dishes

These rolls are the ultimate companion for hearty mains and cozy sides. Think classic roast chicken, creamy soups, stews, or a fresh garden salad. Their soft, buttery bite turns even the simplest meal into something special.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have a bit of fun! Stack Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls in a rustic basket lined with a clean towel for a homestyle vibe, or use a wooden cutting board for a more modern look. For special occasions, tie a strip of parchment paper around the middle of each roll with twine for charming single servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rolls are a happy problem! Simply let them cool completely, then tuck them into an airtight container or sealable bag. They’ll stay fresh on your counter for a couple of days or in the fridge for up to five days—perfect for quick snacks or next-day lunches.

Freezing

Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls freeze beautifully, whether you want to prep ahead or save leftovers. Once fully cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out excess air, and store for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the oven to bring back that just-baked magic.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange the rolls on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. A quick brush of melted butter after reheating returns the soft, fluffy texture you love from Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough through the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise and baking. This makes Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls even more convenient for holidays or busy weeks.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No stand mixer, no worries. Stir everything together with a sturdy wooden spoon and knead by hand on a floured surface. It’s a great way to connect with your dough and develop those classic homemade textures.

How do I know if my yeast is active?

After resting the milk, yeast, and sugar, you should see the mixture become foamy and slightly expanded. If nothing happens, your yeast may be old or inactive—start again with fresh yeast to guarantee fluffy, well-risen rolls.

Can I add flavors to the dough?

Definitely! Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, roasted garlic, or finely grated cheese with your dry ingredients. Each addition turns Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls into a unique, flavorful twist tailored to your meal.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

This usually comes down to adding too much flour or not proofing long enough. Add flour only until the dough is soft and just slightly tacky, and always let the dough rise until doubled in size for the lightest, fluffiest results.

Final Thoughts

You’ll be amazed by how comforting and impressive Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls can be, even on your busiest days. They’re simple, rewarding, and delight everyone lucky enough to grab one while they’re still warm. I hope you’ll give this recipe a go—it might just become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, too!

Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy freshly baked rolls in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rolls:

1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

For Brushing:

2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy. Add butter, egg, salt, and mix. Gradually add flour, knead until smooth.
Rise: Place dough in greased bowl, let rise for 1 hour. Divide into 12 pieces, shape into balls, place in baking dish.
Second Rise: Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter.