These soft dinner rolls are fluffy, warm, and perfect for any meal. They make your table look extra special and your tummy feel happy!
Making these rolls is super easy. Just mix, rise, and bake! I love them fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter melting on top. Who can resist that? 🥖✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This flour gives the rolls their lovely structure. If you want a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
Active dry yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can also use instant yeast. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing.
Whole milk: For richness, whole milk works best. However, you can substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk you have at home, just ensure it’s warmed slightly.
Unsalted butter: I love using unsalted butter because it allows me to control the salt level. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil can be a great alternative, giving a slight hint of flavor.
Coarse sea salt: This is optional but adds a nice crunch on top. If you don’t have it, regular table salt works fine, or you can skip it altogether for a sweeter roll.
How Do I Know My Dough Has Risen Enough?
This step can be a bit tricky! You want your dough to be well-risen and fluffy. After the first rise, it should have doubled in size. To check if it’s ready, gently poke the dough with your finger. If the indentation remains, it’s good to go!
- Make sure to keep your dough in a warm place, like near the oven or covered with a kitchen towel.
- If you’re in a cooler climate, using an oven with the light on can help create a cozy spot for rising.
During the second rise, the dough should also be puffy and look almost double in size. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make sure it has some nice volume before baking!
How to Make Soft Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp salt
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling on top (optional)
- Additional melted butter, for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 hours including the rising time. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes prepping and mixing the ingredients, and then let the dough rise twice, the first for 1 to 1½ hours and the second for about 30-40 minutes. Finally, it takes about 15-18 minutes to bake. You’ll have soft, fluffy rolls ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warmed milk along with a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets nice and foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Give it a nice stir to mix everything together evenly.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, and the egg to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6-8 minutes instead. A little exercise never hurt anyone!
5. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which takes about 1 to 1½ hours.
6. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, divide it into 12 equal portions, and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
7. Arrange in Baking Dish:
Place the dough balls evenly spaced in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes until they’ve puffed up nicely.
9. Preheat the Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when they are!
10. Brush and Sprinkle:
Before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top if you’d like.
11. Bake the Rolls:
Pop the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and delightful!
12. Final Touch:
As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them again with melted butter for that extra touch of yum!
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, ideally with a little butter spreading across the top—who can resist!
These soft dinner rolls are fluffy and tender with a lovely golden color. They’re perfect for pairing with any meal or just enjoying as a simple treat. The coarse salt adds a delicious touch to the buttery goodness!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour! However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour can make the rolls denser. A good starting point is to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a slightly healthier option while still keeping some fluffiness.
Can I Refrigerate the Dough Overnight?
Absolutely! After kneading the dough, you can cover it and place it in the fridge to rise slowly overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it come back to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven briefly.
What Can I Add to the Dough for Extra Flavor?
For a little added flavor, consider mixing in herbs (like rosemary or garlic powder), shredded cheese, or even some cooked and crumbled bacon into the dough. Just be cautious not to add too much extra weight to the dough for the best rise!
