Soft Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, especially as the weather cools down. The rolls are fluffy, buttery, and irresistibly warm, making them a comforting choice for family gatherings or cozy dinners. With their delightful texture, they pair wonderfully with soups, stews, or just a simple spread of butter.
For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, keeping in mind that the texture may vary. If you’re out of whole milk, 2% milk would work as well. Be cautious with the sugar if you are monitoring your intake, as it helps with the yeast activation and adds flavor. For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative.
Bread & Rolls
Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110-115° F
- ½ cup water, warmed to 110-115° F
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, for brushing on rolls after baking
Instructions
- Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Pour in the warm milk alongside the warm water. Toss in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast right on top. Don’t rush, just let it be for about 5-10 minutes so it can foam up, which means the yeast is all set to go.
- Next up, toss in the salt, the egg, and 4 ½ cups of all-purpose flour into that yeast concoction. Using a paddle attachment, mix it up on low speed until everything is just blended together.
- Incorporate the softened butter into the mixture and continue mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 8 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until smooth.
- Take that dough and move it to a bowl that’s been lightly greased. Give it a turn around so it’s coated with oil. Cover it up with a kitchen towel or some plastic wrap, and find a cozy warm spot for it. Let it hang out there for 30-60 minutes until it doubles in size.
- When the dough has finished rising, give it a good punch to let the air out. Turn it out onto a floured surface and slice it into 15 equal portions. Roll each portion into a nice smooth ball.
- Place the dough balls in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, ensuring they are touching each other. Cover them again and let rise for another 20 minutes until puffed up.
- While those rolls are doing their thing, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375° F. Bake those beauties for 19-23 minutes, or until you see that lovely golden brown color and they sound hollow when you give them a little tap.
- Once they’re out of the oven, don’t forget to brush the tops with melted butter for that extra richness. Enjoy them warm.
Tips
- You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore freshness.
- The rolls freeze well. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
If you’re looking for something equally delightful, I recommend trying Sweet Potato Rolls. They bring a wonderful twist to traditional rolls, offering a slightly sweet flavor and a beautiful color that complements any meal.