I’ve always loved the simplicity of homemade dinner rolls and how they bring warmth to any meal. This recipe is a favorite for its soft, buttery texture and the way it fills the kitchen with a comforting aroma. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create something truly special. If you’re looking to master this classic, there’s a detail that makes all the difference. Let me show you how.
Recipe
Let me tell you—these homemade dinner rolls are the real deal. Soft, pillowy, and golden-brown, they’re the kind of bread that disappears the moment it hits the table. What makes them stand out? A simple combination of butter, milk, and a pinch of sugar creates a tender, slightly sweet dough that’s impossible to resist.
I’ve made these countless times for family dinners, and they always earn rave reviews. The smell alone, as they bake and fill your kitchen with warmth, is enough to make you reach for seconds before they’ve even cooled. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make—no fancy techniques, just good old-fashioned comfort food.
Once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought rolls.
Ingredients
For fluffy, golden-brown dinner rolls that taste like they came straight from a bakery, the ingredients matter. Fresh, simple components are key, and a few chef-approved swaps can save the day if you’re missing something. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the rolls. Bread flour works too for a chewier texture.
- Warm milk (whole or 2%): Essential for activating the yeast. Non-dairy milk like almond or oat works as a substitute.
- Instant yeast: The magic ingredient for that perfect rise. Active dry yeast can be used—just proof it in warm milk first.
- Sugar: A touch to feed the yeast and add subtle sweetness. Honey or maple syrup are great alternatives.
- Salt: Don’t skip it—it enhances flavor and balances the dough.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture. Salted butter works too, but adjust the added salt.
- Egg: Binds the dough and adds softness. For egg-free, try a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Olive oil: For greasing the bowl and pan. Any neutral oil works, but olive oil adds a hint of flavor.
Pro tip: Use fresh yeast and warm (not hot) milk for the best rise.
For extra flavor, brush the baked rolls with melted butter before serving—it’s a game-changer.
How to Make the Best Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe
– Second rise: Arrange the dough balls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy. *Why?* This final rise gives the rolls their light texture.
*Watch out!* Overproofing can cause the rolls to collapse.
– Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the rolls with melted butter and Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. *Why?* The butter adds flavor and a shiny finish.
*Visual cue:* Rolls should sound hollow when tapped.
– Cool and serve: Let the rolls cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. *Why?* Cooling prevents sogginess.
*Pro tip:* Serve warm with extra butter for ultimate indulgence.
Nutrition
These homemade dinner rolls provide essential nutrients and are a delicious addition to any meal. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
Chef Tips
When I’m making homemade dinner rolls, I always confirm the dough is at the right temperature—around 70°F—to help with proper rising.
I proof the yeast first to verify it’s active. Kneading until smooth is key for texture, and I let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot.
Brushing with butter right out of the oven gives them a golden, irresistible finish. Timing is essential—don’t over-proof!
