Homemade Dinner Rolls

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Few things rival the comforting warmth of freshly baked Homemade Dinner Rolls. With their soft, fluffy texture and buttery golden tops, these rolls make every meal feel extra special. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, these rolls are the perfect accompaniment to everything from hearty stews to light salads.

What sets these dinner rolls apart is the balance between tenderness and rich flavor. They require just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of patience for the dough to rise, but the payoff is huge. With this foolproof recipe, you can bake bakery-quality rolls right in your own kitchen.

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What Kind of Flour Should I Use?

For the best texture, use all-purpose flour. It strikes the right balance between softness and structure, giving you a pillowy center with just enough hold. If you want an even fluffier finish, you can substitute up to one cup of bread flour for extra chew.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Dinner Rolls

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing

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How To Make the Homemade Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture is foamy. This shows that the yeast is alive and active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture and whisk to combine. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Final Rise

Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 8: Brush and Serve

Brush the warm rolls with melted butter and serve.

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Serving and Storing Your Homemade Dinner Rolls

Serve these rolls warm with a pat of butter, or use them for mini sandwiches with leftover roast or ham. They’re ideal for soaking up sauces and gravies, making them an all-around crowd-pleaser.

To store, allow the rolls to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if my dough isn’t rising?

Check the temperature of your milk—too hot can kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it. Also make sure your yeast isn’t expired.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Do I need a stand mixer?

Nope! While it makes kneading easier, you can knead the dough by hand just as effectively.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish or bake in two separate pans.

What kind of butter should I use?

Unsalted is preferred so you can control the salt level, but salted will work in a pinch—just reduce the added salt slightly.

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Want More Bread Ideas?

If you love these Homemade Dinner Rolls, you’ll want to try these other delicious breads too:

• Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
• Nutella French Toast Casserole
• Glazed Sourdough Donuts
• 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Flatbread Recipe
• Homemade Cheez-Its

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I’d love to hear how your dinner rolls turned out! Did you add herbs or garlic butter on top? Maybe tried a whole wheat version? Drop your tweaks, tips, or questions in the comments—let’s bake better together.

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