There is truly nothing quite like the smell and taste of freshly baked bread. If you think making your own is too difficult, I am here to change your mind. These Easy Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls are about to become your new favorite recipe. They are incredibly soft, pillowy, and have a rich buttery flavor that elevates any meal.
Seriously, these are the Homemade Bread Rolls that dreams are made of. They are perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or just because you crave a warm, comforting bite. You do not need to be a professional baker to get these just right. Let’s get baking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the texture is out of this world. We are talking super soft, light, and airy on the inside with a beautiful golden top. Each bite practically melts in your mouth. They are the perfect vehicle for a pat of butter or for sopping up gravy.
You will also love how simple the ingredient list is. There is nothing fancy here, just basic pantry staples you probably already have on hand. It is amazing how flour, yeast, milk, and butter can transform into something so delicious.
Another great thing? This recipe for Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls is incredibly forgiving. Even if you are new to working with yeast, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. Your confidence in the kitchen is about to get a major boost.
And let’s not forget the aroma. As these Fluffy Dinner Rolls bake, your kitchen will be filled with the most comforting and mouthwatering scent. It is the kind of smell that makes a house feel like a home.
Ingredients
Before we dive in, let’s talk about the key players. Using warm liquids is very important because it helps activate the yeast without harming it. Aim for a temperature that feels like a warm bath, around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a small detail that makes a big difference.
- ⅓ cup warm water (80 ml)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 g)
- ⅓ cup + ¼ teaspoon sugar (70 g + 1 g), divided
- 1⅓ cups warm milk or plant based milk (320 ml)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter or clarified butter (ghee), softened (70 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 4–4½ cups all purpose flour (500–570 g)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Proof The Yeast
First things first, let’s make sure our yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, the active dry yeast, and just a tiny pinch of sugar, about ¼ teaspoon. Give it a gentle stir.
Now, let it sit for about five to ten minutes. You are looking for it to get foamy and bubbly on the surface. This is called proofing or blooming the yeast. If nothing happens, your yeast might be old, and you will need to start over with a fresh packet.
Step 2: Mix The Dough
Once your yeast is nice and foamy, pour that mixture into the large bowl of a stand mixer. If you are kneading by hand, just use a big mixing bowl. It is time to build our dough for these fantastic Easy Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls.
To the bowl, add the warm milk, the rest of the sugar, your softened butter, the egg, and the salt. Finally, add just one cup of the flour for now. Using the paddle or dough hook attachment, mix everything on low speed until it is just combined into a shaggy, wet mixture.
Step 3: Knead The Dough
With the mixer still on low, start adding more flour, about a half cup at a time. Keep going until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. It should be soft and still slightly sticky to the touch. Be careful not to add too much flour.
Continue mixing on low for about five to six minutes. The dough will become smooth and elastic. If you are kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for the same amount of time. You will know it is ready when it feels supple and holds together beautifully.
Step 4: First Rise
This is where patience pays off. Lightly grease a large, clean bowl with a little olive oil or avocado oil. Place your smooth dough ball inside, and turn it once to coat all sides with the oil. This prevents a skin from forming.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Find a warm, draft free spot in your home and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. This usually takes about one to one and a half hours. The warmth helps the yeast work faster.
Step 5: Roll Out The Dough
Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. This sounds aggressive, but a gentle press is all you need. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Now, divide the dough into two equal pieces. This makes it more manageable to work with.
Take one of the pieces and roll it out into a large rectangle. You are aiming for a thickness of about a quarter inch. Try to keep the shape as even as possible. Repeat with the second piece of dough. Your future Homemade Bread Rolls are taking shape!
Step 6: Shape The Rolls
Now for the fun part. Take one of your rectangles and cut it in half lengthwise. Then, slice across that rectangle to create six smaller strips. You should have twelve small rectangles in total from this one piece of dough. Repeat with the other large rectangle.
Gently roll up each small piece into a little log or spiral. Place each roll with the seam side down on a baking sheet. You can lightly grease the sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange them with a little space in between.
Step 7: Second Rise
We need one more rise to get those truly Fluffy Dinner Rolls. Cover the baking sheet with your kitchen towel again. Let the shaped rolls rise in that same warm spot for another hour to an hour and a half. They should double in size again and look puffy.
Step 8: Bake To Perfection
About twenty minutes before the second rise is done, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Once the rolls are puffy and ready, uncover them and place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You are looking for a beautiful, light golden brown color on top. When they are done, carefully remove them from the oven. For that classic bakery shine and extra flavor, brush the tops with melted butter or ghee right away.
How To Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls cool completely first. Then, place them in an airtight container or a zip top bag. They will stay fresh at room temperature for about one to two days.
For longer storage, freezing is your best friend. You can freeze the baked rolls for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature and rewarm them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that just baked softness.
Tips
Want to take your rolls to another level? Here are a few ideas to help you get perfect results every single time. These little tricks can make a huge difference in your final product. They are great for any Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls recipe.
- Make Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, cover it tightly and refrigerate. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.
- Freezing Dough: You can also freeze the dough itself. Freeze it before the first rise, or after shaping. For shaped rolls, flash freeze them on a tray for 30 minutes before transferring to a container. Thaw, let them rise, and then bake.
- Add Some Flavor: Feel free to mix in about a teaspoon of garlic powder or some finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a savory twist. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking is also delicious.
- Check Your Flour: You may not need all the flour called for in the recipe. The amount can vary depending on humidity. Add it gradually until the dough is soft and just slightly sticky. Too much flour can make the rolls dense.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, reliable recipe for the most wonderful Easy Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls. Once you try them, you will never want to go back to the store bought kind again. The satisfaction of making your own bread is just unbeatable.
These Homemade Bread Rolls are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and fill your home with the incredible aroma of baking bread. I promise, it is worth every single step.
FAQ
Can I Make These Rolls Without A Stand Mixer?
Absolutely! A stand mixer makes things a bit easier, but you can definitely make these by hand. After mixing the initial ingredients, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it with your hands for about 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. It is a great workout!
What Is The Best Way To Warm Milk?
You can warm the milk in the microwave in short 20 second bursts, or gently on the stovetop over low heat. The key is not to get it too hot. You want it to be warm to the touch, not scalding. If it is too hot, it can kill the yeast.
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead Of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, you can. If you are using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly in with your dry ingredients. The rise times might also be slightly shorter, so just keep an eye on your dough. The results will be just as delicious.
Why Didn’t My Rolls Rise?
There could be a few reasons. The most common culprit is expired or inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date. Another reason could be that your liquids were too hot and killed the yeast. Lastly, make sure your rising spot is warm and not too cold or drafty, as yeast loves warmth to thrive.
Easy Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls
These Easy Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls are incredibly soft, pillowy, and have a rich buttery flavor that elevates any meal. They are perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you crave a warm, comforting bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and ¼ teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
- Pour the foamy yeast mixture into a large stand mixer bowl. Add the warm milk, remaining sugar, softened butter, egg, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add more flour until the dough pulls away from the sides. It should be soft and slightly sticky. Continue mixing for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Gently punch down the dough. Transfer to a floured surface and divide in half. Roll each half into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
- Cut each rectangle into 12 smaller strips. Roll each strip into a log and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm spot for another 1 to 1.5 hours, until they have doubled in size again.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Brush the tops with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, cover it tightly and refrigerate. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping.
Flavor Variations: Mix in about a teaspoon of garlic powder or some finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary into the dough for a savory twist.
Flour Tip: You may not need all the flour. Add it gradually until the dough is soft and just slightly sticky. Too much flour can make the rolls dense.
Nutrition (per 2 rolls)
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
