Hey y’all! There’s just something special about serving a basket of warm, pillowy dinner rolls right out of the oven. Their irresistible buttery aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture make any meal feel extra cozy—perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or a simple weeknight dinner. This easy Dinner Rolls Recipe guarantees golden, fluffy rolls that everyone will love. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Incredibly soft and fluffy – these rolls are bakery-quality every time.
- Simple, pantry staples for ingredients—nothing fancy required!
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing, perfect for holidays or everyday dinners.
- Ready in under 2 hours, including rise time, for quick homemade magic.
- Easily customizable with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or seeds.
Dinner Rolls Recipe Ingredients
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups (420g-480g) all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warm (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Step-by-Step Directions for the Perfect Dinner Rolls Recipe
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
2. Mix the Dough
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add 3 cups of flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms.
- Continue adding remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and is only slightly sticky.
3. Knead and Rise
- Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes (or 5 minutes in a mixer with a dough hook), until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Shape the Dinner Rolls
- Punch down the dough and divide into 15-16 equal portions. Shape each into a smooth ball.
- Arrange balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spacing them evenly.
5. Second Rise and Bake
- Cover and let the rolls rise until puffy, 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush tops with melted butter.
- Bake 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush again with melted butter if desired.
Notes for the Best Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Use a kitchen thermometer to make sure milk is not too hot—it should be about 110°F. Learn how to proof yeast properly.
- The dough should be slightly sticky, but not wet. This ensures fluffy, tender rolls.
- For more baking science, check out Serious Eats’ guide to soft dinner rolls.
Dinner Rolls Recipe Variations
- Herb & Garlic: Add 2 teaspoons of dried Italian herbs and 2 minced garlic cloves to the dough for savory flavor.
- Cheesy Rolls: Fold in 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan).
- Whole Wheat: Substitute 1 cup whole wheat flour for the all-purpose for a heartier texture.
Equipment Needed for This Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Kitchen thermometer
- Pastry brush
How to Store Dinner Rolls (Recipe Shelf Life Included)
- Let rolls cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place in a zip-top bag and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm, if desired, before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings for Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Serve warm with creamy butter, honey, or jam.
- Pair with soups, stews, roasted chicken, or your favorite holiday main dishes.
- They make excellent sandwich sliders with leftover meats!
Dinner Rolls Recipe Pro Tips
- Cover dough with a clean towel to prevent drying out during rising. See more rising tips at Bon Appétit’s proofing guide.
- If baking ahead, brush baked rolls with new melted butter and reheat loosely covered in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
- Avoid adding too much flour; a soft dough yields light, fluffy rolls.
Dinner Rolls Recipe FAQ
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
- Yes, you can substitute equal amounts of instant yeast and skip the proofing step—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
- How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
- The tops should be golden brown, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read about 190°F (88°C).
- Can I make the dough in advance?
- Yes! After the first rise, shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp and rise before baking.
Prep time: 20 minutes | Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Bake time: 20 minutes | Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
-
1In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
-
2Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
-
3Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
-
4Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
-
5Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and arrange in a greased baking dish.
-
6Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush warm rolls with melted butter and serve.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
↑
Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
170 caloriescal
Protein:
4 gg
Fat:
4 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
29 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
