Fluffy Dinner Rolls (Perfect for Any Meal!)
These Homemade Soft Dinner Rolls are light, fluffy, and perfectly golden, making them the ideal addition to any meal. With simple ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, butter, and a touch of sugar, these rolls bake up beautifully soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk about 110°F or 43°C
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons additional melted butter for brushing
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures the yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead for 5 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen 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
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12-15 equal portions and shape them into smooth balls. Arrange them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Cover the shaped rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Step 8: Brush with Butter
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for an extra layer of flavor and shine.
Notes
Use Fresh Yeast – Expired or inactive yeast will prevent the rolls from rising properly.
Warm Liquid Ingredients – The milk and water should be warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively.
Don't Over-Flour – Too much flour can make the rolls dense. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Give It Time to Rise – A proper rise ensures light and airy rolls.