Soft Buttery Dinner Rolls

Fluffy soft dinner rolls transform any meal into something extra special and comforting. These rolls are all about rich buttery flavor and pillowy texture, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. My grandmother’s kitchen always smelled of fresh bread on Sundays and this simplified recipe brings that same warmth to your own table with no fuss.

Honestly I love how my whole house fills with the smell of baking bread every time I make these. The first time my kids helped shape the dough they could not stop sneaking the hot rolls straight from the pan.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: gives the rolls their soft structure Use a high-quality unbleached flour for the best texture
• Instant yeast: instant or rapid rise yeast makes the dough rise quickly and gives extra fluff Choose a fresh package for strong rise
• Granulated sugar: adds a hint of sweetness and helps brown the tops A fine sugar blends in more smoothly
• Salt: balances the flavors and wakes up the buttery notes Use a pure sea salt if you have it
• Warm milk: makes the rolls tender and helps activate the yeast Aim for milk just warmer than body temperature
• Butter: both softened for dough and melted for brushing This gives flavor moisture and golden crust Always go for real butter
• Egg: helps bind the dough and adds richness Use a fresh egg at room temperature for best incorporation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

Combine three cups of flour instant yeast sugar and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients Add warm milk softened butter and the egg

Start Mixing:

With the dough hook attached start mixing on the lowest speed Scrape down the bowl sides as needed until flour is moistened and mostly combined

Knead and Add Flour:

Increase mixer speed to medium Knead for two minutes Add half a cup of flour mixing until just blended Add another half cup and repeat Continue kneading one to two more minutes The dough should form a ball that is just a little sticky but cleans the sides of the bowl If needed add up to another half cup of flour for the right consistency

First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl Cover with a towel Let dough rise at room temperature for thirty minutes until nearly double in size

Shape Rolls:

Gently punch down and deflate the dough Pinch off pieces and roll into twenty evenly sized balls Arrange them in a greased nine by thirteen baking pan

Second Rise:

Drape a towel over the rolls Let them rise for another thirty minutes at room temperature They should puff and nearly touch

Bake:

Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees fahrenheit Bake rolls for fifteen to seventeen minutes Watch for golden brown color If they brown too quickly lay a piece of foil loosely over them to protect the tops

Brush and Serve:

As soon as the hot rolls come out brush with melted butter This softens the crust and adds even more flavor Serve warm or cool and store in a bag for up to three days

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I always look forward to using the best quality butter here Each year for Thanksgiving my family gathers just to shape and eat extra rolls plain or with more melted butter on top It is our unofficial tradition

Storage Tips

Keep leftover rolls in an airtight plastic bag at room temperature They stay soft for three days To rewarm just pop them in a low oven for five minutes If you want to freeze let the rolls cool completely then wrap tightly and freeze up to a month Let them thaw at room temperature or warm directly from frozen

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have instant yeast swap with active dry yeast but let it proof in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar for five minutes before mixing This recipe also works with whole milk or two percent Milk alternatives change texture but still make good rolls You can use honey instead of sugar for a deeper sweetness

Serving Suggestions

Split the rolls open and spread with soft butter or honey for breakfast They are perfect alongside soups roast chicken or holiday hams For something fun fill warm rolls with pulled pork or chicken salad My family sometimes snacks on them with jam after dinner

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A Bit of History

The classic dinner roll is a beloved staple in American family and holiday meals Its roots stretch back to European breads but the soft buttery texture became iconic in the twentieth century as home baking flourished Every generation finds their own twist and making them from scratch never goes out of style

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I achieve soft, fluffy rolls?

Starting with warm milk and careful kneading develops a light texture. Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures a soft crumb and tender rolls.

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, shape the rolls and refrigerate after the first rise. Bring to room temperature, let rise again, and bake when ready to serve.

→ Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

Both work well, but unsalted butter allows you to better control overall saltiness. Adjust the added salt to taste as needed.

→ Why brush rolls with melted butter?

This step creates a glossy, flavorful crust and enhances softness for that classic, home-baked appeal.

→ How should leftover rolls be stored?

Cool completely and store in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and softness.

→ Can the rolls be frozen?

Yes, freeze baked rolls in an airtight container for up to three months. Warm in the oven before serving.